Vallejos lights up the octagon with stunning knockout over Chikadze. Kevin Vallejos delivered an electrifying performance in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 112 stopping Giga Chikadze with a spectacular knockout. The co-main event at UFC Fight Night of Royval vs. Kape delivered one of the most exciting moments of the night at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday, December 14, 2025. While the headline flyweight battle stole headlines, the featherweight clash between Giga Chikadze and Kevin Vallejos brought its own fireworks.
Veteran striker Giga Chikadze has been one of the most respected names in the UFC featherweight division, known for his karate-based striking and knockout power. His recent fight history shows that while he remains dangerous, he’s been struggling to get back into the win column.
In his most recent fight, Chikadze lost a unanimous decision to David Onama in April. Prior to that, Chikadze also suffered a decision loss to Arnold Allen at UFC 304 in July 2024, meaning he entered this weekend on a two-fight skid.
Despite the recent losses, Chikadze remains a threat when he’s at his best, with nine career knockouts, he still possesses finishing ability that can turn any fight on its head.
Opposite Chikadze stood Kevin Vallejos, one of the most promising young featherweights on the UFC roster. He has compiled an impressive resume, known for his striking aggression and dangerous knockout power. In August 2025, he scored a unanimous decision win over Danny Silva. Earlier in March 2025, Vallejos showcased his finishing instincts with a first-round TKO over Seung Woo Choi at UFC Vegas 104. Overall, Vallejos sits on a multi-fight winning streak and has finished a majority of his wins via knockout or stoppage earlier in his career, including on Dana White’s Contender Series.
The fight started with a legkick from Vallejos and the fight opened cautiously, with Chikadze using his height and striking background to maintain distance, landing sharp kicks and straight punches. Vallejos stayed patient, cutting angles and looking for openings to close in. Chikadze landed some clean strikes, but Vallejos remained unshaken, moving intelligently and setting the stage for an explosive finish in the next round.
The second round started with both fighters exchanging strikes. Vallejos, finding his rhythm, landed a perfectly timed spinning backfist that dropped Chikadze. He immediately followed up with heavy elbows on the canvas, forcing the referee to step in at 1:29 of Round 2. The arena erupted as Vallejos celebrated a career-defining victory. The end came at 1:29 in the second round as Vallejos moves to 3-0 in the UFC.
“Giga Chikadze is a legend,” Vallejos said after his win. “He’s had a seven fight winning streak. Someone I’m very honored to have fought. This is a dream come true. I’m so happy to be in this situation. This is blood, this is sweat, this is effort. I’m no one special. You just have to find the tools and use them for the right purpose. I would love to call on Cub Swanson and I would love to fight a boxer.”
Vallejos’ emphatic knockout not only cements his status as one of the most dangerous rising stars in the featherweight division but also sends a clear message to anyone underestimating him is in for a serious wake-up call. With this win, the spotlight is firmly on Vallejos as he eyes bigger challenges and potentially a title run in the near future.
Check out the UFC Vegas 112 results below.
Main Card
Manel Kape def. Brandon Royval via first-round TKO (3:18)
Kevin Vallejos def. Giga Chikadze via second-round KO (1:29)
Cezary Oleksiejczuk def, Cesar Almeida via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Melquizael Costa def. Morgan Charriere via first-round KO (1:14)
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcus Buchecha declared a draw (28-28 x3)
King Green def. Lance Gibson Jr. via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
Preliminary Card
Yaroslav Amosov def. Neil Magny via submission (anaconda choke) (R1, 3:14)
Joanderson Brito def. Isaac Thomson via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Steven Asplund def. Sean Sharaf via second-round TKO (3:49)
Luana Santos def. Melissa Croden via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
