Next Title Shot ‘Makes Sense’ For Chikadze

Alexander Volkanovski is just a couple of days removed from his latest featherweight title defense, which came in the form of a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega in the UFC 266 pay-per-view (PPV) main event last weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The general consensus is that Volkanovski will move on to face the winner of Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriguez, who collide at UFC Vegas 42 on Nov. 13 in “Sin City.” But why wait for those two to slug it out when streaking contender Giga Chikadze is already available?

“Why don’t I deserve a title shot? The champ said he wants to be busy,” Chikadze told MMA Junkie. “He wants to get another fight in this year or January. I think that would make a lot of sense and it would be a hell of a fight. He can do 155, he can talk about whatever he wants but the reality is he’s the 145 champ. If he wants to stay busy, he needs to fight someone who is entertaining and a good fighter.”

Chikadze (14-2) fell to Austin Springer on Dana White’s “Contender Series” back in June 2018 but has been unstoppable ever since, to the tune of nine straight wins with five finishes. “Ninja” was last seen putting the hurt on Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 35.

Unfortunately for the Georgian striking sensation, the UFC rankings panel does not share his outlook on the featherweight title chase. Despite his recent tear, Chikadze is stuck at No. 8 in the 145-pound division, behind the likes of Arnold Allen and Josh Emmett, among others.