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Giga Chikadze

Giga Chikadze is a mixed martial artist and former who competes in the featherweight division of the (UFC). Born on August 25, 1988, in , , he stands 6 feet (1.83 m) tall with a 74-inch (188 cm) reach and is renowned for his elite striking ability, particularly his powerful kicks and knockout power derived from his kickboxing background. As of November 2025, Chikadze holds an overall MMA record of 15–5, including 9 knockouts and 1 submission, while training out of in . His UFC record stands at 8–3, with his most recent fight being a unanimous decision loss to David Onama on April 26, 2025. Chikadze began his martial arts training in Goju-ryu karate as a child before transitioning to , where he built a professional record of 38 wins and 6 losses, including 22 knockouts. He competed prominently in the Glory Kickboxing promotion, achieving a 6–3 record with 3 knockouts, and honed his Dutch-style striking during time spent training in the . After nearly 50 kickboxing bouts, Chikadze turned to MMA in 2015, securing early wins in regional promotions like Gladiator Challenge before signing with the UFC in 2019 despite a submission loss on the previous year. In the UFC, Chikadze made his debut with a win over on September 28, 2019, embarking on a seven-fight winning streak that included first-round TKOs against Jamey Simmons and , as well as a third-round of in August 2021 via strikes following a head kick. This surge elevated him into the featherweight top 10, but his momentum was halted by a loss to on January 15, 2022. Subsequent bouts have yielded mixed outcomes, with a win over in August 2023 followed by decision losses to in July 2024 and Onama in April 2025, leaving him ranked around 15th in the division. Chikadze is scheduled to face Kevin Vallejos on December 13, 2025, at UFC Fight Night.

Early life and background

Early life in Georgia

Giga Chikadze was born on August 25, 1988, in , the capital of the within the . His father, Zaza Chikadze, was a former athlete from a family, who played a significant role in shaping his early interest in combat sports by predicting on the day of his birth that Giga would become a world champion athlete. Chikadze has a sister named Keso, growing up in a household that emphasized discipline and physical activity amid the challenges of the era. From a young age, Chikadze showed a strong inclination toward , beginning his training in at around four years old before transitioning to by age nine, influenced by local dojos and his family's encouragement. This early exposure was partly inspired by watching action films featuring , which sparked his passion for striking arts in a culture where combat sports like and wrestling held national prominence. He earned a (third dan) in during his youth, balancing rigorous training sessions with attendance at local schools in , where he maintained his education despite the demands of his developing athletic pursuits. Chikadze's formative years coincided with Georgia's turbulent transition to following the Soviet Union's in , marked by civil unrest, economic hardship, and the 1991–1993 that brought widespread instability to the region. These socio-political struggles, including periods of conflict and scarcity, instilled a sense of in him, as he later reflected on growing up in a war-torn environment that tested his family's endurance and reinforced the value of through sports. This resilience was further shaped by personal family tragedies, including the death of his mother from cancer.

Immigration and initial training in the United States

Giga Chikadze relocated to the in 2013 at the age of 25, seeking enhanced opportunities to develop his striking expertise and transition toward . He initially settled in , drawn by the concentration of elite training facilities and coaches that could elevate his kickboxing foundation. Upon arrival, Chikadze encountered significant challenges, including financial strain and language barriers that complicated daily life and integration. To support himself while prioritizing training, he took on odd jobs, balancing economic pressures with his commitment to the sport. These early hardships tested his resilience but underscored his determination to establish a professional path in . In 2014, he and his sister Keso co-founded the Knockout Cancer foundation to support cancer patients in honor of their late mother. Chikadze began his U.S. training by affiliating with local facilities in , where he honed his stand-up skills amid a diverse combat sports community. By 2014, he had joined in , a hub for high-level MMA preparation that provided rigorous sparring and strategic guidance. In his first year stateside, Chikadze competed in local events, which allowed him to gain visibility and forge connections within the U.S. striking circuit. These outings served as crucial stepping stones, bridging his international experience to the American scene without delving into full professional MMA commitments. Culturally, Chikadze navigated the shift by preserving heritage—listening to traditional as a to evoke his ancestry and maintain mental focus—while immersing himself in the disciplined, high-volume training ethos of gyms. This blend of old-world and new-environment rigor shaped his foundational U.S. phase, fostering both personal growth and technical evolution.

Kickboxing and striking career

Amateur achievements

Chikadze began training in at the age of four in his hometown of , , initially in before transitioning to Goju-Ryu style at age nine to channel his high energy. Influenced by action stars like and , he competed extensively in during his youth, earning a third dan black belt and securing multiple national titles in throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. He was a two-time world champion and two-time European champion in , as well as a European champion in . These early victories, often by , highlighted his striking prowess and established him as a top junior prospect in the country. As he matured, Chikadze expanded into Muay Thai, capturing junior and senior national belts in Georgia before turning 20, which further honed his clinch work and knee strikes. His amateur career also included successes in full-contact rules, with a focus on knockouts that showcased his powerful legs and precise combinations. After immigrating to the United States in 2013, Chikadze continued competing in amateur events while preparing for professional bouts. Overall, his pre-professional career underscored his dominance in striking disciplines, predominantly via knockout.

Professional kickboxing record and titles

Giga Chikadze's professional career spanned approximately nine years, during which he amassed a record of 38 wins and 6 losses, with 22 of his victories coming by . This record is considered incomplete, particularly for some of his earlier bouts in Eastern European promotions, where documentation is limited. He competed primarily under K-1 rules and demonstrated a striking style heavy on powerful kicks, earning a reputation for devastating liver shots that ended several fights. Chikadze began his professional career in local promotions in around the mid-2000s, securing early wins by decision and knockout against regional opponents. As he progressed, he fought on circuits from to , notching knockouts over formidable challengers and building momentum toward major organizations. In , he captured the title, solidifying his status as a top contender. That same year, he also won the European Championship, showcasing his versatility in striking disciplines. In 2015, Chikadze signed with GLORY Kickboxing, the premier promotion at the time, where he compiled a 6-3 record with 3 knockouts. His GLORY debut came at GLORY 21 in San Diego against Ken Tran, whom he defeated by third-round TKO with a signature liver kick. Notable victories followed, including a first-round knockout of Jordan Mawhorter at GLORY 32 via another liver kick, highlighting his precision and power in U.S.-based events. He also advanced in tournaments, reaching the featherweight contender final at GLORY 33 in 2016, though he lost a decision to Matt Embree, and again at GLORY 43 in 2017 to Kevin VanNostrand. Chikadze's final kickboxing bout occurred in 2017, after which he shifted his focus to , ultimately signing with the UFC in 2019 to pursue opportunities in the promotion. His achievements, including the world title and strong showings in , provided a solid foundation for his MMA striking prowess.

Mixed martial arts career

Early professional MMA bouts

Giga Chikadze made his professional debut on December 18, 2015, at of Fighting 26 against Gil Guardado in a bout. Despite showcasing his striking background, Chikadze lost via after three rounds. Following the setback, Chikadze returned on December 17, 2016, at Gladiator Challenge: Season's Beatings, securing his first professional win against Joe Bear via (retirement) in the first round at 1:50, highlighting his early reliance on ground-and-pound to finish the fight. He built momentum with another quick finish on March 25, 2017, at Gladiator Challenge: Absolute Beatdown, defeating Anthony Ross by (punches) just 0:10 into the first round. These early victories demonstrated Chikadze's ability to overwhelm opponents with aggressive striking from his kickboxing foundation, often ending bouts before they could test his defense. Chikadze continued his win streak on June 10, 2017, at Gladiator Challenge: Summer Feud, stopping Julian Hernandez via (punches) at 0:49 of the opening round. Later that year, on December 16, 2017, at Gladiator Challenge: Season's Beatings, he notched a victory over Kevin Gratts with a at 1:17 of round one, further solidifying his reputation for devastating finishes. Entering 2018 with a 4-1 record, Chikadze faced Kevin Ceron on April 21 at Gladiator Challenge: Championship, earning a (punches) win in the first round at 2:37. On June 19, 2018, during Season 2, Week 4, Chikadze faced Austin Springer but lost via submission (rear-naked choke) in the third round at 4:10, despite a strong performance in striking and takedown defense. He was signed to the UFC shortly afterward. He returned to regional action on August 11, 2018, at Gladiator : Summer Showdown, submitting Clay Baines via armbar at 0:12 of the first round—his lone submission victory in this phase, showcasing occasional proficiency despite limited tests on the ground. To maintain activity while awaiting his UFC debut, Chikadze fought once more on March 23, 2019, at Gladiator Challenge: MMA World Championships, knocking out Damien Manzanares via strikes at 0:51 of round one. Across these pre-UFC bouts from 2015 to 2019, Chikadze compiled a 7–2 record, with six finishes via strikes underscoring his dominance in stand-up exchanges and minimal exposure to prolonged scenarios.
DateOpponentEventResultMethodRoundTime
Dec 17, 2016Joe BearGladiator Challenge: Season's BeatingsWin11:50
Mar 25, 2017Anthony RossGladiator Challenge: Absolute BeatdownWin10:10
Jun 10, 2017Julian HernandezGladiator Challenge: Summer FeudWin10:49
Dec 16, 2017Kevin GrattsGladiator Challenge: Season's BeatingsWin11:17
Apr 21, 2018Kevin CeronGladiator Challenge: MMA Fighting ChampionshipWin12:37
Jun 19, 2018Austin SpringerLossSubmission (RNC)34:10
Aug 11, 2018Clay BainesGladiator Challenge: Summer ShowdownWinSubmission (armbar)10:12
Mar 23, 2019Damien ManzanaresGladiator Challenge: MMA World ChampionshipsWin10:51

Ultimate Fighting Championship tenure

Chikadze made his debut on September 28, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 160 in , , where he faced . He secured a victory via (29–28, 28–29, 29–28) after three rounds, following an initial announcement of a draw that was corrected. Following his debut, Chikadze embarked on an impressive win streak in the featherweight division. On March 7, 2020, at in , he defeated by split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28) after three rounds, having replaced an injured on short notice. He continued with a unanimous decision win over Irwin Rivera on May 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 8 in . On October 10, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 179 in , Chikadze won another against Omar Morales after three rounds. Chikadze notched his first UFC finish on November 7, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 17 in , stopping Jamey Simmons via (head kick and punches) in the first round at 3:51. The streak extended on May 1, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 23 in , where he defeated by (body kick and punches) at 1:03 of the first round. He then faced on August 28, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 30 in , earning a victory via punches in the third round at 1:44. This seven-fight winning streak elevated him into the featherweight top 10. Chikadze's momentum was halted in the main event of UFC on ESPN 32 on January 15, 2022, in , where he suffered a loss to over five rounds (50–45, 50–45, 50–44), sustaining facial fractures that sidelined him for over 18 months. He returned on August 26, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 225 in , defeating via (30–27, 30–27, 30–27). Chikadze's recent UFC outings have been challenging. On July 27, 2024, at UFC 304 in , , he lost a unanimous decision to (30–27, 30–27, 30–27). This was followed by another unanimous decision defeat to David Onama on April 26, 2025, at UFC Fight Night in (29–28, 29–28, 29–28), bringing his UFC record to 8–3. As of November 16, 2025, Chikadze is ranked #15 in the UFC featherweight division. He is scheduled to face Vallejos on December 13, 2025, at UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape in , .

Fighting style and technique

Grappling and overall strategy

Chikadze's grappling prowess is predominantly defensive, emphasizing takedown prevention over proactive engagements on the ground. In the UFC, he maintains a 65% takedown defense rate, leveraging sprawls and counter-knees rooted in his early training in , which began at age four and provides a strong base for evading shoots by maintaining distance and balance. This approach allows him to neutralize wrestling threats effectively, as seen in his ability to stuff attempts while transitioning into striking counters, such as knee strikes to the opponent's head during defensive sprawls. His ground game centers on fundamental jiu-jitsu techniques for survival and escapes, rather than advanced submission hunting, reflecting his striker's orientation. Chikadze secured his only professional submission victory—an arm-triangle choke—in his MMA debut against Brandon Polkey in December 2015, but has since focused on returning to his feet quickly when taken down. This defensive posture was evident in pre-UFC bouts, including a submission loss via armbar to on in 2018, highlighting areas for improvement in prolonged exchanges. Overall, his submission average stands at 0.5 per 15 minutes in UFC competition, underscoring a reliance on positional control to avoid danger rather than offensive grappling. Strategically, Chikadze prioritizes stand-up battles where his pedigree shines, but he has bolstered his MMA versatility through wrestling training at since 2015, integrating drills to complement his striking setups. This fight IQ enables him to dictate range and force opponents into uncomfortable positions, blending karate-derived footwork with learned wrestling defenses for a hybrid style. In UFC bouts, his significant striking accuracy of 42% pairs with an absorption rate of 3.48 strikes per minute and 60% striking defense, illustrating a calculated approach that minimizes exposure while maximizing damage output. Recent performances, such as against David Onama in 2025, have tested these defenses, where a late-round exposed vulnerabilities under , prompting ongoing refinements in endurance and anti- tactics.

Personal life

Family and residence

Giga Chikadze has been married to his high school sweetheart, Tamari Tamuna Gazashvili, since October 2007. The couple, who began their relationship in 2002, relocated from , , to in 2015 with their family. Gazashvili works as a marketing director at AnB Hotel Management & Investment and holds an MBA from the . They are parents to two children: an elder daughter, Nita Chikadze, born around 2009, who has pursued acting and modeling since age six, earning awards such as Best Child/Young Actress in 2019 at the Indie Short Fest, Independent Short Awards, and LA Short Film Festival; and a younger son, Tanjiro Chikadze. Nita has also trained in , reflecting her father's influence in . Chikadze's extended family provides ongoing support, with his father, Zaza Chikadze, residing in following the passing of his mother from cancer. The family has been involved in charitable efforts against cancer in honor of his mother, highlighting their close-knit dynamics despite the distance. Chikadze and his family currently reside in , close to the Kings MMA gym where he trains. As an Orthodox Christian, he maintains strong ties to his heritage, observing traditions such as fasting for while adapting to life abroad.

Interests outside of fighting

Chikadze is deeply committed to , particularly through the Knockout Cancer Foundation, which he co-founded with his sister Keso in 2014 to support cancer patients and their families worldwide. The organization focuses on providing financial assistance, medical support, and emotional resources, having aided over 200 individuals across various countries by facilitating donations and identifying those in need. In recognition of his efforts, Chikadze received the 2022 Forrest Griffin Community Award from the UFC, which included a $25,000 donation to the foundation, highlighting his dedication to combating cancer in honor of his mother's battle with the disease. Beyond charity work, Chikadze holds a in business management and applies this background to ventures aimed at growing combat sports in his native . In 2021, he entered a partnership with GULF Georgia, a company, to promote within the country, with goals of increasing awareness, developing talent, and scouting potential UFC fighters to elevate Georgia's presence in the sport. Additionally, he contributes to coaching at in , where he leads kids' programs in and , passing on techniques to young athletes and emphasizing discipline and . Chikadze has also released instructional content, such as the video series "Spicing Up Striking With The Giga Step," co-created with boxing analyst Barry Robinson, to teach advanced karate-inspired footwork and striking methods. In his , Chikadze maintains ties to his Georgian heritage through culinary traditions, often preparing and enjoying dishes like and . He has participated in cooking sessions with fellow UFC fighters, such as Guram Kutateladze and , showcasing his appreciation for these foods as a way to connect with his roots while living in . Looking ahead, Chikadze aspires to expand the Knockout Cancer Foundation globally and further develop MMA infrastructure in , potentially transitioning into full-time coaching and mentorship roles after his fighting career to inspire the next generation of athletes from his homeland.

Championships and accomplishments

Kickboxing honors

Giga Chikadze has earned multiple world titles in , establishing himself as a prominent figure in the sport. He captured the Kickboxing World Championship in 2013, showcasing his striking prowess on the international stage. According to his official UFC athlete profile, he has held world titles twice in overall. In addition to his kickboxing accomplishments, Chikadze secured the WFC World Muay Thai Championship in the middleweight division (-72.5 kg/160 lb), a prestigious honor in the striking discipline. He also claimed the Muay Thai European Championship in 2011, highlighting his versatility and dominance in regional competitions. Chikadze's success in kickboxing includes consistent high rankings, such as reaching top contender status in the Glory Kickboxing featherweight division during his tenure with the promotion from 2015 to 2018. His achievements have contributed to elevating the profile of Georgian fighters in global striking sports.

Mixed martial arts achievements

In 2019, Giga Chikadze defeated Damien Manzanares via (punches) in the first round at Gladiator Challenge: MMA World Championships. In the , Chikadze earned two Performance of the Night bonuses early in his tenure: one for his first-round knockout of via liver kick at UFC on : Reyes vs. Procházka in May 2021, and another for his third-round knockout of via front kick at UFC on : Barboza vs. Chikadze in August 2021. His undefeated 7-0 start in the UFC, bolstered by his background, propelled him into title contention. Chikadze's professional MMA record stands at 15 wins and 5 losses, with 9 victories by and 1 by submission. Following his win over Barboza, he entered the UFC top 10 and pushed for a title shot against champion . As of November 2025, he is ranked No. 15 in the UFC division.

Professional records

Mixed martial arts record

Giga Chikadze's professional record is 15–5 as of November 16, 2025. He has secured 9 wins by or technical , 1 by submission, and 5 by decision, while his losses comprise 0 by , 1 by submission, and 4 by decision. Chikadze has no documented amateur MMA record. His upcoming fight against Kevin Vallejos, scheduled for December 13, 2025, is not included in this record.
DateOpponentPromotion/EventResultMethodRoundTime
Dec 18, 2015Gil GuardadoWSOF 26: Dillashaw vs. LinekerLossDecision (unanimous)35:00
Dec 17, 2016Joe BearGladiator Challenge: Season's BeatingsWinTKO (retirement)11:50
Mar 25, 2017Anthony RossGladiator Challenge: Absolute BeatdownWinTKO (punch)10:10
Jun 10, 2017Julian HernandezGladiator Challenge: Summer FeudWinTKO (punches)10:49
Dec 16, 2017Kevin GrattsGladiator Challenge: Season's BeatingsWinKO (punch)11:17
Apr 21, 2018Kevin CeronGladiator Challenge: MMA Fighting ChampWinTKO (punches)12:37
Jun 19, 2018Austin SpringerDana White's Contender Series 14LossSubmission (rear-naked choke)34:10
Aug 11, 2018Clay BainesGladiator Challenge: Summer ShowdownWinSubmission (armbar)10:12
Mar 23, 2019Damien ManzanaresGladiator Challenge: MMA World ChampsWinTKO (punches)10:51
Sep 28, 2019Brandon DavisUFC Fight Night: Hedman vs. PhillipsWinDecision (split)35:00
Mar 07, 2020Jamall EmmersUFC 248: Lee vs. OliveiraWinDecision (split)35:00
May 16, 2020Irwin RiveraUFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. HarrisWinDecision (unanimous)35:00
Oct 10, 2020Omar MoralesUFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. SandhagenWinDecision (unanimous)35:00
Nov 07, 2020Jamey SimmonsUFC on ESPN: Santos vs. TeixeiraWinTKO (head kick and punches)13:51
May 01, 2021Cub SwansonUFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. ProcházkaWinTKO (body kick and punches)11:03
Aug 28, 2021Edson BarbozaUFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. ChikadzeWinTKO (punches)31:44
Jan 15, 2022Calvin KattarUFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. ChikadzeLossDecision (unanimous)55:00
Aug 26, 2023Alex CaceresUFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Korean ZombieWinDecision (unanimous)35:00
Jul 27, 2024Arnold AllenUFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2LossDecision (unanimous)35:00
Apr 26, 2025David OnamaUFC on ESPN: Machado Garry vs. PratesLossDecision (unanimous)35:00
The complete list of 20 professional fights is documented in detail on authoritative MMA databases, with all outcomes verified through official promotion records.

Kickboxing record

Giga Chikadze compiled a professional kickboxing record of 38 wins and 6 losses between 2006 and 2018, with 22 of his victories coming by knockout or technical knockout, showcasing his emphasis on striking finishes. His career included two world kickboxing titles, highlighting his status as a top contender in the sport before transitioning to mixed martial arts. However, documentation is incomplete, particularly for approximately six early bouts in Eastern European promotions from 2006 to 2010, which are not fully detailed in major combat sports databases like Sherdog. This leaves around 28-6 fights with confirmed records from reliable archives such as those of the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) and International Sport Karate Association (ISKA). Key highlights include his 2014 WKU World Kickboxing Championship win, where he claimed the title via knockout, and multiple high-profile knockouts in major promotions that demonstrated his signature liver kicks and precise striking. In Glory Kickboxing, the premier organization he joined in 2015, Chikadze posted a 6-3 record with 3 knockouts, competing against elite featherweight opposition. Representative bouts from his Glory tenure, drawn from official event archives, illustrate his technical prowess and finishing ability.
DateOpponentPromotionResultMethodRounds
May 8, 2015Ken TranWinKO (liver kick)1
Aug 7, 2015Anvar BoynazarovWinUnanimous Decision3
Nov 6, 2015Serhiy AdamchuckLossUnanimous Decision3
Jan 20, 2017Kevin VanNostrandLossUnanimous Decision3
Mar 5, 2016Christian BayaLoss3
Sep 9, 2016Matt EmbreeWinTKO (punches)1
Jul 14, 2017Aleksei UlianovWinTKO (doctor stoppage)2
Dec 9, 2017Luuk VosWinUnanimous Decision3
Jul 14, 2018Masahiro YamamotoWinUnanimous Decision3
Note: The table focuses on verified bouts for brevity; full ISKA and WKU archives confirm additional title defenses and regional wins contributing to the overall tally. The Enfusion bout against Tayfun Ozcan on February 16, 2018 (loss by unanimous decision) is excluded as it is outside .