Kevin Vallejos’ debut year was one to remember.
In the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 73, Vallejos (17-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) takes on undefeated featherweight contender Giga Chikadze. However, everything changed when Vallejos landed a spinning backfist to the chin, knocking out Chikadze (15-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC) at 1:29 of round 2.
advertise
The first round was a competitive affair, with Zikadze giving Vallejos trouble with his signature powerful kicks that left a bruise on the right side of his body. Chikadze won the first round on all three judges’ scorecards.
Vallejos stayed patient and kept pushing forward while finding his opening in the second round. The fight came to an abrupt end as Vallejos charged forward and Chikadze backed up to the fence before delivering a spinning backfist that knocked Chikadze to the mat. Vallejos landed a few more hard elbows on the ground until referee Mark Smith pulled him down.
Watch the finish video below (via Instagram):
In his post-fight interview, Vallejos called for a fight with Cub Swanson on Chikaze Point in April.
advertise
Vallejos began his UFC campaign with his first first-round win over Choi Seung-woo in March. His second fight was a unanimous decision victory over Danny Silva, and now he’s ending his first year under the UFC banner with his third win and extending his win streak to six.
Chikedadze, on the other hand, slumped in three fights, including decision losses to David Onama and Arnold Allen. His last win was a decision over Alex Caceres in August 2023.
The latest UFC fight results on ESPN 73 include:
-
Kevin Vallejos def. Giga Chikadze via KO (boxing) – Round 2, 1:29
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 112: Kevin Vallejos vicious KOs Giga Chikadze
