UFC Fight Night: Giga Chikadze vs Kevin Vallejos Preview & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
A high-level featherweight showcase unfolds as Georgia’s Giga Chikadze faces Argentina’s rising star Kevin Vallejos in the co-main event.
Giga Chikadze vs Kevin Vallejos facts
What time are Giga Chikadze and Kevin Vallejos expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape? UFC Apex, Enterprise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape main card
Brandon Royval vs Manel Kape (Flyweight)
Giga Chikadze vs Kevin Vallejos (Featherweight)
Cesar Almeida vs Cezary Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight)
Melquizael Costa vs Morgan Charriere (Featherweight)
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Marcus Buchecha (Heavyweight)
King Green vs Lance Gibson Jr. (Catchweight - 160 lb)
UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape prelims
Amanda Lemos vs Gillian Robertson (Women’s Strawweight)
Joanderson Brito vs Isaac Thomson (Featherweight)
Neil Magny vs Yaroslav Amosov (Welterweight)
Sean Sharaf vs Steven Asplund (Heavyweight)
Melissa Croden vs Luana Santos (Women’s Bantamweight)
Allen Frye vs Guilherme Pat (Heavyweight)
Jamey-Lyn Horth vs Tereza Bleda (Women’s Flyweight)
Giga Chikadze: Elite striker seeking to reassert himself at featherweight
Giga Chikadze (15-5-0) returns to the Octagon looking to rebuild momentum after a turbulent stretch in his career. Once considered one of the most dangerous kickboxers in the division, the Georgian burst into UFC relevance with a series of highlight-reel finishes, including brutal stoppages over Jamey Simmons, Cub Swanson and Edson Barboza. His trademark “Giga kick” to the body remains one of the most feared weapons at 145 pounds, and when allowed to dictate range, he carries genuine fight-changing potential.
However, Chikadze’s recent run has been marred by inconsistency and inactivity. After absorbing heavy damage in his 2022 loss to Calvin Kattar, he spent nearly two years out of competition before returning in late 2023, where he was won against Alex Caceres in a difficult stylistic matchup. Since he has lost two on the trot to Arnold Allen and David Onama. The long layoffs, combined with questions about his defensive grappling and ability to maintain pace in extended bouts, have made his current trajectory unclear. Yet, despite this, Chikadze’s striking pedigree and experience against elite opponents make him a dangerous and unpredictable test for any rising contender.
Kevin Vallejos: Fast-rising Argentinian prospect looking to break into contention
Kevin Vallejos (16-1-0) arrives on the co-main stage carrying significant hype as Argentina’s newest featherweight standout. The 24-year-old has rapidly built a reputation as one of the division’s cleanest boxing technicians, blending sharp footwork with crisp combinations and an ability to maintain output while staying defensively sound. His UFC run so far has been impressive, including strong wins over Danny Silva and Seung Woo Choi, where he showed both composure and the ability to make effective reads as the fight progressed.
Vallejos’ game extends beyond his hands. His defensive wrestling has improved considerably, and he has shown glimpses of a developing submission threat, making him far more well-rounded than when he first entered the promotion. At only 24, he is still physically maturing and evolving with each appearance. Against a veteran striker like Chikadze, Vallejos enters as the fresher, more active athlete, with durability and cardio that have held up well in extended exchanges. This matchup represents the biggest name test of his career, and a win would firmly insert him into the wider featherweight conversation.
Giga Chikadze vs Kevin Vallejos prediction
This co-main event offers a fascinating clash of offensive striking styles. Chikadze is the more decorated and diverse kicker, capable of ending a fight with a single clean body shot, while Vallejos is the sharper boxer with better defence, higher output and superior consistency across three rounds. If Chikadze can establish kicking range early and force Vallejos to hesitate, he can create openings for his trademark body attacks and counters. But sustaining that control for 15 minutes has been a challenge in his recent outings.
Vallejos enters this matchup with the advantages of youth, momentum and a more complete MMA toolkit. He should be able to apply steady pressure, mix his levels when needed and gradually draw Chikadze into defensive lapses. Over time, his volume and durability look more reliable, particularly if the fight extends past the opening round where Giga is historically most dangerous. Expect a competitive opening frame before Vallejos’ pace and adaptability begin to separate the two.
Prediction: Kevin Vallejos to win by Decision
