UPDATED Giga Chikadze Withdraws from UFC 296 on Dec. 16

Giga Chikadze has withdrawn from a proposed UFC 296 clash against Josh Emmett on Dec. 16.

Emmett initially announced that Chikadze had pulled out of the event on social media, and it has since been confirmed by multiple outlets. Later, Chikadze revealed that he suffered a torn groin. "I'll be back soon," he added.

Giga’s Out ❌
-
Who’s ready Dec 16th? #UFC296

— JOSH EMMETT (@JoshEmmettUFC) December 4, 2023

UFC 296 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and is headlined by a welterweight title tilt between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington. In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja will defend the flyweight crown against Brandon Royval.

Sh*t happens! Tore groin! I’ll be back soon! pic.twitter.com/ABMggWhHdM

— GIGACHAD (@giga_chikadze) December 5, 2023

After a hiatus that lasted more than a year and a half, Chikadze returned to action at UFC Fight Night 225, where he outpointed Alex Caceres on Aug. 26. The 35-year-old Kings MMA product is 8-1 during his tenure with the Las Vegas-based promotion.

Emmett, meanwhile, is coming off back-to-back losses against Ilia Topuria and Yair Rodriguez in his last two Octagon appearances.

Editor's note: This item was updated at approximately 10:53 a.m. ET to include additional information regarding Chikadze's injury.