Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the UFC's 2025 finale on ESPN+ heats up with a clash of contrasting trajectories! A seasoned veteran against a rising star—who will emerge victorious?
The UFC's year-end event is shaping up to be a must-watch, featuring a compelling matchup between two fighters at different stages of their careers. But here's where it gets intriguing... Giga Chikadze, a well-established featherweight with a record of 15-5 in MMA (8-3 in the UFC), is set to face off against the rapidly ascending Kevin Vallejos, who boasts an impressive 16-1 MMA record (2-0 in the UFC). This bout, confirmed by MMA Junkie and announced by Chikadze himself on social media, will take place at UFC Fight Night 266 on December 13 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. And this is the part most people miss: This event marks the UFC's final collaboration with ESPN+ before transitioning to Paramount+ in 2026, adding an extra layer of significance to the card.
Chikadze, 37, started his UFC journey with an undefeated 7-0 streak, earning three consecutive knockout bonuses and a Fight of the Night award. However, here’s the controversial twist: after a loss to Calvin Kattar, he’s hit a rough patch, losing three of his last four fights, including a decision loss to David Onama in April, where he also missed weight for the first time in his UFC career. Is this the beginning of the end for Chikadze, or can he reclaim his former glory?
On the other side of the octagon, Vallejos, a 24-year-old Argentine sensation, is on a tear. After a setback in 2023 against Jean Silva on DWCS, he rebounded with a contract-winning victory over Cam Teague in 2024. His UFC debut in March saw him knock out Seung Woo Choi in the first round, followed by a decision win over Danny Silva in August, extending his winning streak to five fights. But the question remains: Can Vallejos maintain his momentum against a seasoned opponent like Chikadze?
This fight isn’t just about records—it’s about legacy, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of MMA. What do you think? Is Chikadze’s experience enough to halt Vallejos’s rise, or will the young contender continue his ascent? Let us know in the comments!
With this addition, the UFC Fight Night 266 lineup is packed with exciting matchups:
- Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape
- Iasmin Lucindo vs. Gillian Robertson
- Tereza Bleda vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth
- Steven Asplund vs. Sean Sharaf
- Cesar Almeida vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk
- AJ Frye vs. Guilherme Pat
- Morgan Charriere vs. Melquizael Costa
- Giga Chikadze vs. Kevin Vallejos
Don’t miss this electrifying event as the UFC closes out its ESPN+ era with a bang!
