Streaking Featherweight prospect Giga Chikadze has called out Yair Rodriguez as a late replacement.

Tragedy struck the UFC Fight Night card for July 17th when Max Holloway was forced to pull out due to injury. “El Pantera” was evidently upset by this, having not competed since late 2019.

Giga Chikadze quickly put his name on the table as possible replacement, despite the UFC initially declaring they would simply postpone the Holloway/Rodriguez fight to a later date.

Chikadze (13-2) is on a six-fight winning streak in the UFC, despite just joining the roster in late 2019. He most recently finished Cub Swanson with his patented “Giga Kick” in the first round, pushing himself to the number ten ranking in the Featherweight division. The Georgian has a high level kickboxing background, with his technique and powerful kicks being the highlights in his arsenal.

Though fight contracts were sent out, Pantera is still yet to sign, likely putting a halt to this dream striker matchup.