Giga Chikadze Bio
Giga Chikadze is a Georgian professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer born on August 25, 1988, in Tbilisi. He competes in the UFC Featherweight division and has built a reputation for his striking skills and resilience. Before transitioning to MMA, Chikadze had a successful kickboxing career and continues to rise in the UFC rankings.
Early Life and Background
Giga Chikadze was born in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union. He began training in Gōjū-ryū Karate between the ages of four and five, inspired by martial arts films featuring Jet Li and Bruce Lee. His early exposure to martial arts was further influenced by watching the first UFC events, particularly impressed by Royce Gracie’s technique and ability to defeat larger opponents.
Chikadze pursued higher education and graduated with a degree in Business Management. He currently resides in Tbilisi, Georgia, and holds a 3rd dan black belt in Goju-ryu Karate, which laid the foundation for his striking prowess in combat sports.
Path to MMA
Chikadze initially competed in kickboxing and moved to the Netherlands to train, joining GLORY, the world’s largest kickboxing organization, in 2015. His transition to mixed martial arts began with a debut in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) as a lightweight, where he faced Gil Guardado. Despite losing by unanimous decision, this marked the start of his MMA career.
He later joined Gladiator Challenge, where he achieved a five-fight win streak with all victories coming by first-round knockout. This success helped him gain recognition and led to his participation in Dana White’s Contender Series, although he suffered a submission loss there. His persistence and skill eventually earned him a contract with the UFC.
Giga Chikadze Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Giga Chikadze began his professional MMA career in 2015, competing primarily in regional promotions. His early career was marked by a strong striking ability, reflected in multiple first-round knockouts. Fighting mostly in the lightweight and featherweight divisions, he developed a reputation for his aggressive style and finishing ability.
During this period, Chikadze honed his skills and gained valuable experience that prepared him for higher-level competition. His time in Gladiator Challenge was particularly notable for his knockout streak, which showcased his striking precision and power.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Chikadze signed a four-fight contract with the UFC and was scheduled to debut against Mike Davis in 2019. After a last-minute opponent change, he won his debut by split decision. He continued to build momentum with victories over Jamall Emmers and Irwin Rivera, demonstrating his striking and endurance.
In 2020, Chikadze earned multiple Performance of the Night awards following technical knockout wins against Jamey Simmons, Cub Swanson, and Edson Barboza. These performances solidified his status as a top featherweight contender. Despite a setback in 2022 with a unanimous decision loss to Calvin Kattar, the bout earned Fight of the Night honors, highlighting his competitive spirit.
Chikadze has remained active in the UFC, facing top contenders and maintaining a presence in the featherweight rankings. His recent fights include a unanimous decision win over Alex Caceres in 2023 and a loss to Arnold Allen in 2024. He is scheduled to compete in 2025, continuing his pursuit of a title shot.
Kings MMA Era (Present)
Currently training with Kings MMA, Chikadze benefits from a strong team environment that supports his striking and overall fight strategy. His orthodox stance and reach of 188 cm give him an advantage in striking exchanges. The partnership with his team has helped him refine his technique and maintain competitive form in the UFC.
Driving Style and Strengths
Giga Chikadze is known for his precise striking, particularly his kickboxing background that translates into effective stand-up fighting. His ability to control distance and deliver powerful kicks and punches makes him a formidable opponent. His resilience and cardio allow him to maintain pressure throughout the fight, while his black belt in Goju-ryu Karate contributes to his technical striking skills.
Notable Events and Milestones
Chikadze’s UFC career includes multiple Performance of the Night awards and a Fight of the Night honor. His knockout of Cub Swanson with a liver kick and his technical knockout of Edson Barboza are standout moments. In 2022, he received the UFC Forrest Griffin Community Award for his charity work with the Knockout Cancer Foundation.
Giga Chikadze Career Wins
Giga Chikadze has accumulated 15 professional MMA wins out of 20 fights, with nine victories by knockout, four by decision, and one by submission. His striking ability has been a key factor in many of these wins, particularly in the UFC featherweight division.
UFC Highlights
Chikadze’s UFC tenure features several highlight-reel knockouts and consistent performances against top featherweight competition. His first UFC win came via split decision against Brandon Davis, and he has since secured notable finishes over fighters like Cub Swanson and Edson Barboza. His fights often showcase his striking precision and tactical approach.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Chikadze had a successful run in Gladiator Challenge with multiple first-round knockouts. His kickboxing career with GLORY also contributed to his striking pedigree, although specific records from that period are incomplete.
Giga Chikadze Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Giga Chikadze’s family background are not publicly documented. His martial arts journey began in childhood in Tbilisi, influenced by his early karate training and martial arts films.
Personal Life
Chikadze graduated with a degree in Business Management. He currently resides in Tbilisi, Georgia. There is no public information about his marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Giga Chikadze is scheduled to continue competing in the UFC featherweight division. After a unanimous decision loss to David Onama in April 2025, where he missed weight and was fined, Chikadze aims to rebound and climb the rankings. He is scheduled to face Kevin Vallejos in December 2025, which will be a critical fight for maintaining his position among the division’s elite. His ongoing work with Kings MMA and focus on striking improvements position him as a continued threat in the featherweight class.