Giga Chikadze: Tapology | Karate | Wiki | Sherdog
Giga “Ninja” Chikadze is one of the most watched and respected mixed martial artists in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight division. A decorated karate practitioner, kickboxer, and MMA athlete, Chikadze’s journey from a young martial artist in Tbilisi, Georgia to a top UFC contender is remarkable. This article dives into his Tapology profile, karate background, wiki-style biography, injury history, Sherdog stats, and UFC legacy.
Early Life and Martial Arts Beginnings
Giga Chikadze was born on 25 August 1988 in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union. He started training in martial arts between ages 4 and 5, specifically Gōjū-ryū karate, which laid the foundation for his unique striking style and disciplined fight mindset.
He was inspired by martial arts movies and early UFC tapes, notably Royce Gracie’s performances, which helped direct him toward mixed martial arts.
Karate Accomplishments
Chikadze’s early martial arts training wasn’t just recreational — he excelled:
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Started with Kyokushin Karate and transitioned to Go-ju Ryu Karate.
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Achieved European Champion status as a teenager.
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Became a Karate World Champion at age 18.
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Holds a 3rd dan black belt in Goju-ryu Karate.
His karate background gave him a powerful base in striking mechanics, balance, distance, and precision — hallmarks of his later MMA approach.
Transition to Kickboxing
Before MMA, Chikadze competed professionally in kickboxing, where he distinguished himself as one of the elite strikers in Europe.
Kickboxing Highlights
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Competed in top gyms across the Netherlands like Golden Glory, Vos Gym, and Mike’s Gym.
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Earned several world-level titles and championships.
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Credited with at least 38 wins and 12 losses in professional kickboxing, including 22 KOs.
His striking finesse and combination game translated highly effectively into MMA.
MMA Career Overview
Chikadze made his professional MMA debut in 2015 in the United States, juggling both kickboxing and MMA early on.
Soon Chikadze signed with World Series of Fighting (WSOF) before moving onto the UFC, where his fame skyrocketed.
UFC Debut and Rise
After joining the UFC roster in 2019, Chikadze quickly built a reputation as one of the most feared strikers in the featherweight division.
Key UFC fights include:
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Victory over Brandon Davis (UFC Fight Night 160) – a split decision win in his debut.
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Win against Jamall Emmers (UFC 248) – split decision.
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TKO vs. Cub Swanson – a dominating performance early in Round 1.
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TKO vs. Edson Barboza – a highlight KO.
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Fight of the Night against Calvin Kattar – a five-round battle showcasing resilience.
Chikadze’s total professional MMA record is over 15-5-0 (W-L-D), with most wins by violent knockouts — a testament to his elite striking.
Tapology Profile
On Tapology, Chikadze is listed as:
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Pro MMA Record: 15-5-0
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Nickname: Ninja
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Division: Featherweight
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Reach: 74″
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Team: Kings MMA
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Current Tapology Ranking: Top 20 Featherweight contender
Tapology’s detailed fighter metrics highlight his striking power, decision win ratio, and overall competitive consistency.
Sherdog Statistics
Sherdog, one of the most trusted MMA databases, catalogs Chikadze as:
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Record: 15 wins | 6 losses
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KO/TKO Wins: 9
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Submissions: 1
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Decision wins: 5
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Recent loss to Kevin Vallejos via spinning backfist and elbows (Dec 2025).
Overall, Sherdog understands Chikadze as a top-tier striker with a hardworking attitude and a solid competitive legacy.
Fighting Style: Karate & Striking
Chikadze’s fighting style is best described as highly technical striking rooted in karate and enhanced by kickboxing.
What Makes His Standout
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Karate footwork — allows him to maintain distance and trigger powerful counters.
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Efficient kicking game — both head and body kicks are frequent tools.
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Precision combinations over brute force — a trait derived from karate’s emphasis on accuracy.
Unlike many fighters who rely on wrestling or grappling, Chikadze’s matches often unfold standing — where he feels most lethal.
Injury History and Setbacks
Like many high-level combat athletes, Chikadze’s career hasn’t been free from injuries.
Notable Injury Events
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Withdrawal from bout against Sodiq Yusuff in 2022 — due to injury.
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Scrapped fight against Josh Emmett at UFC 296 (Dec 2023) — injury forced him out and led to replacement.
Despite these setbacks, his resilience and return to competition show his commitment to staying active in the elite tier. Giga Chikadze.
UFC Highlights & Recent Matches
Most Recent Fight:
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Faced Kevin Vallejos at UFC Vegas 112 (Dec 13, 2025) and suffered a 2nd-round KO via spinning backfist and elbows.
This was a major upset, as Chikadze had been riding a strong career streak and was known as a heavy striking favorite.
Highlights across his UFC journey include:
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Multiple Performance of the Night bonuses
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Fight of the Night accolades
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Wins over legendary veterans like Barboza and Swanson
Life Outside the Octagon
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Chikadze holds a Bachelor’s degree in business and management.
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He founded the Knockout Cancer Foundation, supporting individuals with cancer through financial aid.
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He trains at Kings MMA alongside elite fighters and coaches.
Legacy and Impact
Giga Chikadze’s rise from karate champion in Georgia to a UFC elite striker captures the essence of long-term martial arts dedication. He blends traditional martial art values with modern MMA strategies — and remains an influential figure in MMA discussions worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Giga Chikadze’s MMA record?
He holds approximately 15 wins and 5 losses in professional MMA, with many wins by KO/TKO.
2. What martial art did Chikadze start with?
He began with Goju-ryu karate, a traditional and highly technical style.
3. What is Chikadze’s Tapology ranking?
He is ranked among the top featherweight contenders on Tapology.
4. Has he fought for UFC championships?
While he has not won a UFC title, he’s competed on major cards and earned multiple performance bonuses.
5. What injuries has he had?
Chikadze has pulled out of fights due to injuries in 2022 and 2023, but specifics were undisclosed.
