Giga Chikadze Targets Yair Rodriguez Matchup at UFC 296 for Next Octagon Appearance

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

UFC NEWS & FEATURES
Giga Chikadze Targets Yair Rodriguez Matchup at UFC 296 for Next Octagon Appearance
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TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD AUG 27, 2023 COMMENTS

After more than a year-and-a-half on the sidelines, Giga Chikadze made a successful return to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 225.

The 35-year-old Kings MMA product engaged in a back-and-forth standup battle with Alex Caceres, eventually emerging with a unanimous decision triumph in their featured featherweight clash at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore, on Saturday. It was Chikadze’s first bout since dropping a five-round verdict to Calvin Kattar in the UFC on ESPN 32 headliner on Jan. 15, 2022.

“It feels so great. I can’t even explain,” Chikadze said in a post-fight interview with the UFC. “It’s been a pretty long time, and I felt like I was without a job. Finally I got my dream job back, and I haven’t been so happy for a long time. So finally, we’re back baby … It’s been 15 minutes, and I feel like every second I looked great, and I’m pretty happy after one-and-a-half year layoff with my performance.”

Caceres was competitive throughout the 15-minute affair, but Chikadze typically landed the more impactful strikes during the 15-minute affair.

“People were telling me that he was breaking in the fight, but I feel like he did a good job staying the whole 15 minutes … I’m a big fan of the guy for a long time,” Chikadze said. “I didn’t want to say that earlier because I don’t like to (say) good stuff about my opponent before the fight.”

As it stands, Chikadze has been victorious in eight of nine appearances within the Las Vegas-based promotion. With that in mind, he has his sights set on a high-profile matchup for his next outing.

Continue Reading
https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/G...at-UFC-296-for-Next-Octagon-Appearance-190875

 

[svmr_db]

I'd generally be against someone fighting this much higher in the rankings, but given there's not exactly much of a queue of contenders lining up for Volk right now they may as well make it. Stylistically it would be a lot of fun.

 

[Reign009]

That sounds like a GREAT match up.

Definitely would watch.

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

I'd generally be against someone fighting this much higher in the rankings, but given there's not exactly much of a queue of contenders lining up for Volk right now they may as well make it. Stylistically it would be a lot of fun.

That sounds like a GREAT match up.

Definitely would watch.

#1 Contender Fight TBT.. or throw Max in the mix too.

 

[Xoleth]

Yair already had 2 fights this year.
Come on!
That one too much for him.

Looking at his wiki, he actually might be the only fighter with a longer record who never fought three times in a year.

 

[bambammccoy]

I believe Giga was asking for Max right before the Kattar fight. I wonder if he changed his mind because of the Calvin fight or if it's a rankings issue or what.

 

[hoevan]

 

[jko1355]

Giga regrets that fight if he takes it in my opinion. That said he is a good striker... reward goes to those who take the risks.

 

[bartleby929]

Most interesting fight they could make at that weight class by far.

Hyped for it.

Giga doesn't deserve Max yet.

Max should only fight for interim titles.

 

[KoChang]

Does anyone else feel as though Yair buries Giga? I do. I don't think it will even be close.

 

[WolverReem]

Does anyone else feel as though Yair buries Giga? I do. I don't think it will even be close.

Yair doesn't like fighting better strikers. Ducked Zabit like the plague. Giga outclasses him, if it even happens

 

[Bork Neslar]

I want this fight. Giga "Chad" Chikadze by UD or KO.

 

[Blanqa Blanqua]

UFC NEWS & FEATURES
Giga Chikadze Targets Yair Rodriguez Matchup at UFC 296 for Next Octagon Appearance
FacebookTwitterRedditWhatsApp

TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD AUG 27, 2023 COMMENTS

After more than a year-and-a-half on the sidelines, Giga Chikadze made a successful return to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 225.

The 35-year-old Kings MMA product engaged in a back-and-forth standup battle with Alex Caceres, eventually emerging with a unanimous decision triumph in their featured featherweight clash at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore, on Saturday. It was Chikadze’s first bout since dropping a five-round verdict to Calvin Kattar in the UFC on ESPN 32 headliner on Jan. 15, 2022.

“It feels so great. I can’t even explain,” Chikadze said in a post-fight interview with the UFC. “It’s been a pretty long time, and I felt like I was without a job. Finally I got my dream job back, and I haven’t been so happy for a long time. So finally, we’re back baby … It’s been 15 minutes, and I feel like every second I looked great, and I’m pretty happy after one-and-a-half year layoff with my performance.”

Caceres was competitive throughout the 15-minute affair, but Chikadze typically landed the more impactful strikes during the 15-minute affair.

“People were telling me that he was breaking in the fight, but I feel like he did a good job staying the whole 15 minutes … I’m a big fan of the guy for a long time,” Chikadze said. “I didn’t want to say that earlier because I don’t like to (say) good stuff about my opponent before the fight.”

As it stands, Chikadze has been victorious in eight of nine appearances within the Las Vegas-based promotion. With that in mind, he has his sights set on a high-profile matchup for his next outing.

Continue Reading
https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/G...at-UFC-296-for-Next-Octagon-Appearance-190875

he’s a classy guy, very cool

I'd generally be against someone fighting this much higher in the rankings, but given there's not exactly much of a queue of contenders lining up for Volk right now they may as well make it. Stylistically it would be a lot of fun.

Good take, imo

Does anyone else feel as though Yair buries Giga? I do. I don't think it will even be close.

there’s only one way to find out…

 

[surgeyou1]

Yair doesn't like fighting better strikers. Ducked Zabit like the plague. Giga outclasses him, if it even happens

Better striker lol. Yair would fuck him up.

 

[SalvadorAllende]

I like it. If not Allen.

I expect Yair to be out for like 2 years.

 

[Eric Silva 2.0]

UFC NEWS & FEATURES
Giga Chikadze Targets Yair Rodriguez Matchup at UFC 296 for Next Octagon Appearance
FacebookTwitterRedditWhatsApp

TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD AUG 27, 2023 COMMENTS

After more than a year-and-a-half on the sidelines, Giga Chikadze made a successful return to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 225.

The 35-year-old Kings MMA product engaged in a back-and-forth standup battle with Alex Caceres, eventually emerging with a unanimous decision triumph in their featured featherweight clash at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore, on Saturday. It was Chikadze’s first bout since dropping a five-round verdict to Calvin Kattar in the UFC on ESPN 32 headliner on Jan. 15, 2022.

“It feels so great. I can’t even explain,” Chikadze said in a post-fight interview with the UFC. “It’s been a pretty long time, and I felt like I was without a job. Finally I got my dream job back, and I haven’t been so happy for a long time. So finally, we’re back baby … It’s been 15 minutes, and I feel like every second I looked great, and I’m pretty happy after one-and-a-half year layoff with my performance.”

Caceres was competitive throughout the 15-minute affair, but Chikadze typically landed the more impactful strikes during the 15-minute affair.

“People were telling me that he was breaking in the fight, but I feel like he did a good job staying the whole 15 minutes … I’m a big fan of the guy for a long time,” Chikadze said. “I didn’t want to say that earlier because I don’t like to (say) good stuff about my opponent before the fight.”

As it stands, Chikadze has been victorious in eight of nine appearances within the Las Vegas-based promotion. With that in mind, he has his sights set on a high-profile matchup for his next outing.

Continue Reading
https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/G...at-UFC-296-for-Next-Octagon-Appearance-190875

Book it Dana!

 

[Gabe]

Gigs should fight Max. Holloway needs someone to stay warm.

 

[Ace70 V2]

Would be a great fight. Not gonna happen though. Dude just squeaked by the #15 ranked guy. He's not getting a guy that high next.

 

[Andy Capp]

Just dropped in to say Giga Chika would be a killer band name.

That is all.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled hype train.

 

[LoveMyMMA]

I hate Yair but he'd dismantle Giga with relative ease.