Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is putting together a compelling featherweight matchup featuring two of the best strikers at 145 pounds, scheduled for the upcoming “Fight Night” main event in August in a city and venue to be determined.
Edson Barboza vs. Giga Chikadze, according to ESPN.
Barboza (22-9) dropped down to featherweight in early 2020 and after coming up short against veteran bruiser Dan Ige, the quick-kicking Brazilian secured consecutive wins over Makwan Amirkhani and Shane Burgos, the latter of which ended by knockout.
As for Chikadze (13-2), he fell to Austin Springer on Dana White’s “Contender Series” back in June 2018 but has been electric ever since, to the tune of eight straight wins with four finishes. “Ninja” was last seen putting the hurt on Cub Swanson at UFC on ESPN 23.
I guess the pairing of Barboza-Chikadze means the promotion declined this offer.
Also competing at the UFC “Fight Night” event on Aug. 28 are Sara McMann and Ketlen Vieira, who throw leather at 135 pounds. Elsewhere on the card, Gerald Meerschaert puts in work opposite Makhmud Muradov while Sean Brady gets busy with Kevin Lee.