Hold onto your seats, fight fans, because history was made at UFC on ESPN 73! Kevin Vallejos just became the first fighter to knock out the seemingly invincible Giga Chikadze, and trust me, it was a moment that left the entire arena in awe. But here's where it gets even more intriguing—this wasn't just a fluke; Vallejos has been on an unstoppable rise since his UFC debut in March 2025. Let’s break it all down.
In the co-main event of the evening, Vallejos (17-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) faced off against featherweight powerhouse Giga Chikadze (15-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC), a fighter known for his iron chin and devastating kicks. Chikadze had never been knocked out before, making this matchup a true test of Vallejos’s mettle. The first round was a back-and-forth battle, with Chikadze landing his signature kicks that left visible welts on Vallejos’s body. All three judges awarded Chikadze the opening round, but Vallejos remained composed, biding his time for the perfect opportunity.
And this is the part most people miss—Vallejos’s patience paid off in spectacular fashion. Early in Round 2, as Chikadze backed into the fence, Vallejos unleashed a spinning backfist that connected flush with Chikadze’s chin, sending him crashing to the mat. It was a highlight-reel moment that ended the fight at just 1:29 of the second round. Vallejos followed up with a few ground-and-pound elbows before referee Mark Smith stepped in to stop the action. The crowd erupted, and Vallejos cemented his place as a rising star in the division.
But here’s the controversial part: During his post-fight interview, Vallejos boldly called out Cub Swanson, who was in Chikadze’s corner, for an April matchup. Is this a smart move, or is Vallejos biting off more than he can chew? Swanson is a seasoned veteran, and this potential clash could either elevate Vallejos to new heights or halt his momentum. What do you think—is Vallejos ready for Swanson, or is he moving too fast? Let us know in the comments!
Vallejos’s journey in the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. He kicked off his run with a first-round stoppage of Seung Woo Choi, followed by a unanimous decision win over Danny Silva. Now, with this knockout victory over Chikadze, he extends his winning streak to six fights and closes out his debut year with a perfect 3-0 record under the UFC banner. Talk about making a statement!
On the flip side, Chikadze’s loss marks his third consecutive defeat, including decision losses to David Onama and Arnold Allen. His last victory dates back to August 2023 against Alex Caceres. Is Chikadze’s prime over, or can he bounce back from this skid? It’s a question that’s sure to spark debate among fans.
Here’s a quick rundown of the other UFC on ESPN 73 results:
- Melquizael Costa def. Morgan Charriere via knockout (head kick) – Round 1, 1:14
- Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcus Buchecha ended in a unanimous draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)
- King Green def. Lance Gibson Jr. via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Yaroslav Amosov def. Neil Magny via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 3:14
- Joanderson Brito def. Isaac Thomson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Steven Asplund def. Sean Sharaf via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:49
- Luana Santos def. Melissa Croden via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Guilherme Pat def. Allen Frye Jr. via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jamey-Lyn Horth def. Tereza Bleda via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:05
Vallejos’s knockout of Chikadze isn’t just a win—it’s a statement that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division. As we look ahead to his potential matchup with Cub Swanson, one thing is clear: Kevin Vallejos is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the UFC. But the real question is—can he keep this momentum going, or will the pressure of rising stardom weigh him down? Share your thoughts below, and let’s keep the debate going!
