The UFC has finalized a fun featherweight headliner for a Fight Night in August. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto was the first to report last night that the promotion had finalized a matchup between Edson Barboza (22-9) and Giga Chikadze (13-2).
The two top ten featherweights will headline a UFC Fight Night on August 28th. Chikadze has been falling for a fight with a big name and that is exactly what he’s getting on August 28th. This is a golden opportunity for the featherweight from Georgia.
UFC fans were first introduced to Chikadze back in 2018 when he appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series. However, Chikadze lost and didn’t earn himself a contract with the promotion. However, after two wins outside of the octagon, the UFC gave him a shot.
Since then, Chikadze has been perfect. Since making his debut back in 2019, Chikadze has gone 6-0 in the UFC and he’s looking better and better each time he fights. The last time we saw Chikadze was back in May against Cub Swanson.
Swanson has been in there with some of the best in the sports history at featherweight. He was expected to provide Chikadze with a big challenge, however, Chikadze made it look easy. Chikadze finished him in 63 seconds for his sixth straight UFC win.
UFC title run for Edson Barboza?
For years, Edson Barboza was being looked at as one of the most talented fighters in the UFC. His precision striking along with his speed made him must-see TV and it made him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport.
Up until last year, Barboza fought at lightweight in the UFC. While he certainly had some high moments, it was mainly a mixed bag for Barboza especially in the bigger fights. Having dreams of becoming a champion, Barboza decided to move down to featherweight.
He made his featherweight debut against Dan Ige and lost by Split Decision. Granted, most people believe he won the fight. Since then, he’s won back-to-back fights at 145. His last fight came at UFC 262 where he took on Shane Burgos.
In a Fight of the Night performance, Barboza stopped Burgos in the third round to pickup the TKO victory. It was a huge statement for Barboza who sent a message out to all UFC featherweights. Whoever wins this headliner in August could very well be on their way to a title shot in the future.