The co-main event features a compelling featherweight showdown between seasoned veteran Giga Chikadze vs Kevin Vallejos the rising contender.
With rankings, momentum, and career trajectories on the line, this fight has serious implications for the featherweight division.
Below, we break down every key angle of this matchup, including fighter histories, styles, strengths and weaknesses, and our prediction.
Event Overview: UFC Vegas 112
UFC Vegas 112 takes place on December 13, 2025, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The main event pits two top flyweights, Brandon Royval and Manel Kape, in a high-stakes battle that could shape the 2026 title picture.
But the co-main fight, Chikadze vs Vallejos, is drawing huge attention due to the contrast in styles and experience between the two featherweights.
This article focuses on that co-main event, providing a detailed exploration of both fighters and what fans can expect when they collide inside the Octagon.
Giga Chikadze vs Kevin Vallejos: Fighter Profiles
Giga Chikadze
- Record: 15-5 (professional MMA)
- UFC Record: 8-3 inside the UFC since 2018
- Height & Reach: About 6’0″ with a significant reach advantage
- Age: 37
- Notable Skills: Technical striking, elite kickboxing, long-range accuracy
Chikadze burst onto the UFC scene with a strong run of victories, earning praise for his crisp kickboxing and ability to control distance.
He once looked like a future title contender, but his momentum stalled due to recent setbacks.
In his last four UFC fights, he has gone 1-3, losing to top competitors while dealing with injuries and an extended layoff.
Despite these struggles, Chikadze’s experience and technical prowess make him a tricky opponent for any featherweight.
Kevin Vallejos
- Record: 16-1 (professional MMA)
- UFC Record: 2-0 so far
- Height & Reach: Shorter than Chikadze but physically robust
- Age: 24
- Notable Skills: Explosive striking, high pace, finishing ability
Vallejos is one of the most exciting young fighters in the featherweight division. He got his UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, where he impressed with a stoppage win.
Inside the Octagon, he has built a perfect 2-0 record with strong victories, showcasing power and aggression that few prospects possess.
Vallejos has the look of a future top-15 featherweight, and his confidence is growing with each passing fight.
Style Breakdown: Striking vs Pressure
Chikadze’s Strengths
Chikadze is widely viewed as one of the most technical strikers in the featherweight division when he’s at his best.
His kickboxing background allows him to control distance with precise kicks, feints, and combinations.
He also uses his reach effectively, making opponents work hard just to find a home for their big shots.
However, Chikadze has shown periods of hesitation recently, especially when opponents push a high pace.
His last few defeats came when his timing and output did not match those of aggressive fighters, putting pressure on his ability to land consistently.
Vallejos’ Strengths
Vallejos brings pace and pressure, a combination many featherweights struggle to deal with.
His striking output is high, and he carries legitimate power, capable of finishing opponents both standing and on the mat.
His 16-1 record speaks to that finishing ability, with many of his wins coming via KO/TKO.
He also mixes in takedowns and wrestling when needed, making him unpredictable and difficult to control.
Vallejos’ youth and physicality give him an edge in endurance and recovery, especially late in fights.
Key Matchup Factors
Age
Chikadze is 37, while Vallejos is just 24. This nearly 14-year difference could be significant, especially in terms of agility, recovery, and overall physical resilience.
Younger fighters often have a speed advantage that can affect every stage of a fight.
Experience Versus Momentum
While Chikadze has an edge in experience, particularly in high-level fights, Vallejos has momentum.
Experience can be a double-edged sword; it helps in understanding fight dynamics, but past injuries and a two-fight skid have made things trickier for Chikadze.
Striking Output
Vallejos notably lands high-volume strikes and pushes the pace. Chikadze, on the other hand, looks for precision over volume.
If Chikadze cannot slow the pace down, the fight could become uncomfortable for him.
Betting Odds & Market View
Across major sportsbooks, Kevin Vallejos is the clear favorite, typically priced around -265 to -300, while Chikadze is the underdog at approximately +200 to +240.
These odds reflect Vallejos’ rise and Chikadze’s recent form. Some analysts believe that Vallejos should handle this fight with ease due to his pace and pressure, often recommending Vallejos via decision as a strong pick.
There are also varied prop suggestions, including the fight going the distance, reflecting Chikadze’s durability even when under pressure.
Prediction: Who Wins?
After weighing the skills, recent form, and matchup dynamics, Kevin Vallejos emerges as the likely winner.
Prediction: Kevin Vallejos wins by unanimous decision.
Reasoning: Vallejos’ pace, youth, continuous pressure, and improved wrestling mix are likely to give him enough control to edge out rounds consistently.
Chikadze’s precision striking could find success, but not likely enough to counter Vallejos’ output and physical advantage.
Vallejos has proven early on that he can adapt and finish, and this fight plays directly into his strengths.
Whether he breaks into the top 15 after this event will depend on performance, but a decisive win elevates his status significantly.
Implications for Both Fighters
For Vallejos
A win over a ranked veteran like Chikadze would be a huge career milestone. It could place him squarely in contention for top 15 positioning and open the door to matchups with established names in the featherweight division. This is a defining moment for his progression.
For Chikadze
Losing this fight could further complicate Chikadze’s path in the UFC. Dropping three straight contests makes it difficult to secure high-profile matchups going forward.
A strong showing, even in defeat, could preserve respect and offer chances against other seasoned fighters.
Final Thoughts
The co-main event at UFC Vegas 112 presents a classic clash of experience versus youth, technical precision versus aggressive pressure.
UFC fans should expect a competitive battle that highlights both fighters’ strengths, with Vallejos’ energy and pace likely tipping the scales in his favor.
Whether you’re watching for entertainment or considering odds and predictions, this matchup is a must-see for followers of the featherweight division.
Stay tuned to official UFC broadcast channels on December 13, 2025, to witness how this story unfolds inside the Octagon.