LAS VEGAS – Bill Algeo finds himself in a bit of a quandary heading into Saturday.
Algeo (14-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC), who’s scheduled to face Joanderson Brito at UFC on ESPN 32, isn’t sure if he’ll get to make the walk. That’s because his opponent’s COVID-19 test came back inconclusive, and unless Brito tests negative in his next attempt, he may not get to fight.
It’ll be hard for the UFC to scramble for a replacement opponent on one day’s notice if Brito is forced out, but if it were up to Algeo, he’d fight Giga Chikadze (14-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who headlines the card against Calvin Kattar.
“I was kind of hoping somebody on Kattar’s team popped, and I could fight Giga,” Algeo told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s pre-fight media day. “That’d be excellent. If the stars align, maybe that could happen. But again, I shouldn’t wish ill will, and I don’t. But if they pop a test, it’s not the end of the world.”
Algeo is referring to a sparring session years ago at King MMA, where he claimed that he got the better of Chikadze, who was trying to take his head off. When asked about Algeo during media day, Chikadze refused to acknowledge him.
“No, he’s going to pretend like he doesn’t know who I am, and I get it,” Algeo added. “But he knows.”
Check out the full media day interview with Algeo in the video above.
Bill Algeo uncertain if he’ll fight at UFC on ESPN 32, takes aim at Giga Chikadze
