Featherweight contender Giga Chikadze is set to kick off UFC 304’s main card in spectacular fashion against England’s Arnold Allen at Co-op Live in Manchester.
It's been two decades since Georgia's Giga Chikadze last set foot in England, and his return couldn’t come at a better time. This Saturday, “Ninja” will make his first walk to the Octagon in 11 months, opening the main card of UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 at Co-op Live against England’s own Arnold Allen.
Last year, Chikadze was gearing up to challenge Alex Caceres in Singapore. The 35-year-old passed that test with flying colors, earning the 10th spot in a stacked featherweight division and setting up a match against a higher-ranked opponent.
Enter Arnold Allen, the No. 6 ranked featherweight contender coming off back-to-back losses against some of the division’s best, including BMF Champion Max Holloway and the undefeated Movsar Evloev.
Despite these losses, Chikadze believes his UFC 304 opponent proved he’s one of the best at 145 pounds.
“He looked great,” Chikadze said of Allen’s recent performances. “With Max, he didn’t give his best at the beginning of the rounds, maybe due to respect or Max's height advantage, but he was doing great towards the end. Against Evloev, the judges gave Evloev the win, but in my eyes, Allen won that fight.
“I believe Allen is a championship-level fighter. He’s Top 5. Beating him will take me closer to the title. This is my chance to get into the Top 5 and aim for the title.”
However, after two consecutive losses, Chikadze feels the pressure of fighting in his home country on a massive pay-per-view card might overwhelm Allen once the Octagon door closes.
To prepare for the biggest fight of his career, the two-time European Karate Champion has called in good friend and Top 10 lightweight contender Beneil Dariush to sharpen his ground game.
“I’m really excited to step into the Octagon,” Chikadze said. “Allen brings an interesting style, mixing striking with grappling. My teammate, my dear brother Beneil Dariush, has been helping me in camp. Who could be a better training partner for this fight?”
If both fighters bring their A-game on Saturday, fans at Co-op Live are in for a treat. Together, they have scored 16 knockouts and 10 first-round finishes. While this could be one of the best featherweight fights of the summer, Chikadze hopes for a decisive finish.
“I feel like this fight is going to be one of the best,” Chikadze said. “I’m aiming to finish it quickly and secure the Performance of the Night bonus. For many fans, this fight feels like the main event.”
Don't miss UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2, live from Co-Op Live in Manchester, England. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card kicking off on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.