In an unforgettable moment in the world of mixed martial arts, Kevin Vallejos has etched his name in history by becoming the first fighter to knock out Giga Chikadze. This stunning event took place during the co-main bout at UFC on ESPN 73, held on December 13, 2025.
Vallejos, who boasts an impressive record of 17 wins and just one loss (3-0 in the UFC), faced off against Chikadze, a formidable featherweight contender known for his resilience and striking power. Before this fight, Chikadze had never been finished in his professional career, holding a record of 15 wins and 6 losses (8-4 in the UFC). However, that all changed dramatically in the second round when Vallejos landed a spectacular spinning back fist that sent Chikadze crashing to the canvas, marking a pivotal moment at just 1:29 into Round 2.
The first round proved to be fiercely competitive. Chikadze utilized his renowned kicking technique effectively, landing powerful strikes that left visible welts on Vallejos's body. All three judges scored the opening round in favor of Chikadze, showcasing the challenge Vallejos faced. Yet, undeterred and maintaining his composure, Vallejos pressed on in search of his own opportunities during the second round.
The climax arrived when Vallejos seized the moment, charging toward Chikadze as he retreated against the cage. In a decisive move, Vallejos executed a spinning back fist that caught Chikadze squarely on the chin, resulting in a swift knockout. Following this, Vallejos unleashed a series of ruthless elbows on the ground until referee Mark Smith intervened, stopping the fight.
For those eager to see this dramatic finish, video highlights can be found on Instagram.
In his post-fight comments, Vallejos expressed his desire to face veteran fighter Cub Swanson, who was present in Chikadze’s corner during the match. Vallejos’s journey in the UFC began with a first-round stoppage victory over Seung Woo Choi back in March, followed by a unanimous decision win against Danny Silva. Now, he concludes his debut year with a remarkable string of victories, extending his overall winning streak to six fights.
On the flip side, Chikadze's loss marks his third consecutive defeat, having previously suffered decision losses to both David Onama and Arnold Allen. His last win dates back to August 2023, when he secured a decision victory over Alex Caceres.
The results from UFC on ESPN 73 are as follows:
1. Kevin Vallejos def. Giga Chikadze via KO (punches) – Round 2, 1:29
2. Melquizael Costa def. Morgan Charriere via knockout (head kick) – Round 1, 1:14
3. Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcus Buchecha ended in a unanimous draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)
4. King Green def. Lance Gibson Jr. via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
5. Yaroslav Amosov def. Neil Magny via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 3:14
6. Joanderson Brito def. Isaac Thomson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
7. Steven Asplund def. Sean Sharaf via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:49
8. Luana Santos def. Melissa Croden via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
9. Guilherme Pat def. Allen Frye Jr. via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
10. Jamey-Lyn Horth def. Tereza Bleda via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:05
With such thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes, the UFC continues to deliver excitement and unpredictability. What did you think of Vallejos's performance? Do you believe he can maintain this momentum against tougher opponents like Cub Swanson? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
