Edson Barboza vs. Giga Chikadze Expected to Headline UFC Fight Night on Aug. 28

A featherweight striker’s delight has been targeted to headline an Ultimate Fighting Championship card on Aug. 28.

According to a report from ESPN, the promotion is targeting a clash pitting Edson Barboza against Giga Chikadze for a UFC Fight Night event on that date. The contest has not yet been officially signed but is close to being finalized.

Barboza is 2-1 since moving from lightweight to 145 pounds. After dropping a closely-contested split decision to Dan Ige at UFC on ESPN 8, the 35-year-old Brazilian has rebounded to score a decision win over Makwan Amirkhani at UFC Fight Night 179 followed by a knockout over Shane Burgos at UFC 262. Barboza had lost four of his previous five Octagon appearances before switching divisions.

Chikadze has won his last eight bouts since August 2018 — including six triumphs in UFC competition. The 32-year-old Kings MMA representative scored his most notable victory to date at UFC on ESPN 23, where he defeated Cub Swanson with a body kick and follow-up punches 63 seconds into their May 1 bout.