Kevin Vallejos Shocks UFC with Spectacular Knockout, Enters Featherweight Rankings
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Argentina’s Kevin Vallejos delivered a stunning upset at UFC Vegas 112 on Saturday, December 13, 2025, securing a decisive knockout victory over veteran Giga chikadze and catapulting himself into the top 15 of the UFC featherweight division. The 24-year-old fighter not only ended Chikadze’s seven-fight win streak but also earned a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus and garnered widespread respect for his sportsmanship.
Comes Early Pressure to Secure Second-Round Finish
The fight began with Chikadze, known for his striking prowess, utilizing his signature kicks to establish distance and control the early exchanges. Vallejos aggressively pressed forward, despite absorbing some damage to his left leg. A visible cut on his leg did not deter the Argentine, and he strategically transitioned the fight to the clinch, capitalizing on his opponent’s apparent injury.
The first round saw a clear contrast in styles, with Chikadze’s calculated aggression met by Vallejos’s resilience. Though, the momentum dramatically shifted in the second round. A slip by Chikadze created an opening for Vallejos, who unleashed a rapid flurry of punches. Though Chikadze briefly attempted to recover, Vallejos closed the distance and executed a perfectly timed rotating grip, ultimately leading to the fight-ending sequence.
Vallejos finished the fight with a barrage of direct elbows while Chikadze was stunned against the canvas, prompting the referee to intervene at 1:29 of the second round.”Giga Chikadze is a legend, he is really a very good fighter with a streak of 7 victories. The truth is that he is a legend and a warrior of life,” Vallejos stated respectfully following the victory.
$50,000 Bonus and Charitable Intentions
the impact of Vallejos’s performance resonated throughout the UFC association, culminating in the announcement of performance bonuses during the post-fight press conference. Vallejos was awarded the $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus, recognizing the spectacular nature of his victory over the seasoned veteran. A video shared on Instagram showed fellow Argentine fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio informing Vallejos of the substantial reward.
Beyond the financial gain,Vallejos expressed a desire to contribute to a cause close to his opponent’s heart. “He has a beautiful association in the fight against cancer and the truth is that after this I would love to donate a part of my purse to the organization,” Vallejos revealed, acknowledging Chikadze’s charitable work.
A Rising Star in the Featherweight Division
The victory over Chikadze, a fighter significantly taller and more experienced, solidified Vallejos’s record to 3-0 in the UFC. The Argentine, standing at 1.70m (5’7″) and weighing 145 pounds (65.77kg), faced a Georgian opponent who measured 1.83m (6’0″) and weighed 146 pounds (66.22kg). Chikadze, 37, had been a mainstay in the UFC since 2019, accumulating eight wins and three losses prior to the bout.
Vallejos’s path to the UFC included a dominant run at Samurai Fight House in South America, where he remained undefeated. He overcame a previous loss to Jean Silva in Dana White’s Contender series in September 2023, rebounding with victories over Cam Teague, Seungwoo Choi, and Danny Silva to earn his place among the elite. “There are many fighters who have been around for a much longer time and don’t even have the prospect to get close to being a top fighter. That I have had two fights and am already fighting with them is crazy. I am grateful. I already have up to my second contract,” Vallejos remarked prior to facing Chikadze.
Currently, Argentina’s highest-ranked UFC fighter is Aline Perez, holding the number 8 position in the women’s bantamweight division. Vallejos’s remarkable victory signals a bright future for Argentine MMA and establishes him as a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.
