Calvin Kattar vs. Giga Chikadze in the works for first UFC main event of 2022

The first UFC main event of 2022 is in the works – and if all goes according to plan it will take place in the featherweight division.

Contenders Calvin Kattar and Giga Chikadze are targeted to headline the promotion’s Jan. 15 event, which will take place at a location and venue to be announced at a later date. Contracts have not been issued, but are expected to be finalized in the coming days.

Two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the targeted booking to MMA Junkie on Friday but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Kattar (22-5 MMA, 6-3 UFC) will compete for the first time since he was on the receiving end of a record performance by Max Holloway in January. Despite the damage absorbed, Kattar went five rounds with the former UFC featherweight champion before he lost by unanimous decision.

The defeat snapped a two-fight winning streak for Kattar, which included a knockout of Jeremy Stephens and a unanimous decision victory over Dan Ige. Over the span of his most recent six, Kattar is 4-2.

Chikadze (14-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) will take his second UFC headliner in as many fights. At UFC on ESPN 30 in August, Chikadze finished longtime contender Edson Barboza with strikes in Round 3.

With the addition, the UFC Fight Night lineup includes:

• Giga Chikadze vs. Calvin Kattar
• Bill Algeo vs. Joanderson Brito
• Saidyokub Kakhramonov vs. Brian Kelleher
• Zarrukh Adashev vs. Kleydson Rodrigues
• Rogerio Bontorin vs. Brandon Royval
• Kay Hansen vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
• Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Court McGee