Giga Chikadze wants a shot at one of the most entertaining strikers on the UFC roster.
Following his unanimous decision win over Irwin Rivera at UFC on ESPN 8, Chikadze (10-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) wants newly minted featherweight and former lightweight contender Edson Barboza next.
Barboza (20-9 MMA, 14-9 UFC) shared the same card with Chikadze this past Saturday and was edged out in his 145-pound debut by Dan Ige in what some have labeled a controversial decision loss.
Barboza now has dropped his last three bouts, with two of them narrow split decision losses. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Barboza said he wants the UFC to pay him his win bonus. If they don’t, he said he’s uncertain of his future at 145 pounds.
But despite many media outlets scoring the bout in favor of Barboza, Chikadze thought otherwise, and he let his opinion be known as he called out the Brazilian striker on Twitter.
Edson, no disrespect, but I believe you lost the fight to Dan Ige. You are on 3 fight losing streak and I’m on a 3 fight winning streak, we both strikers and you wouldn’t need to think of my takedowns. Let’s put (on) a show for the fans! @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby
Chikadze, a former Glory kickboxer, is off to a perfect 3-0 start to his octagon tenure, having picked up decision victories over Brandon Davis, Jamall Emmers and newcomer Rivera.
Giga Chikadze calls out Edson Barboza for a battle of UFC strikers: 'Let's put on a show'