Sean Woodson wants 'fireworks' fight with Giga Chikadze on path to UFC title contention
Sean Woodson thinks a fight with him and Giga Chikadze would inevitably deliver.
Woodson (13-1-1 MMA, 7-1-1 UFC) has been on a role after scoring four-straight wins, most recently a first-round TKO of Fernando Padilla at UFC on ESPN 63 last month.
Unbeaten in his past seven fights, Woodson thinks he’s earned an opportunity at a ranked opponent, and sees Chikadze (15-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) as the perfect dance partner. Chikadze hasn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss to Arnold Allen at UFC 304 in July.
“I was looking at the rankings, and between who’s matched up and just what I feel like would be a good fight is me and Giga,” Woodson told MMA Junkie Radio. “I want Giga Chikadze next. He’s due for a fight. He hasn’t fought for a while. He’s another 6-foot tall featherweight, and if we’re talking styles and matchups for fireworks, and making exciting fights, I feel like that’s a no-brainer, me and him. All we want to do is strike.
“We both have striking backgrounds. Neither one of us are going to be shooting for takedowns or hunting submissions. We’re both going to be hunting the knockout, and I just feel like that’s a no-brainer as far as exciting fights, and it’s a very realistic matchup for me being on the streak that I’m on and him being on the backend of the rankings. That’s the fight I want next. I want it bad.”
Woodson competed three times in 2024, and looks to replicate his successful year in 2025 – but against higher-level competition.
“That’s my ideal pace for the year,” Woodson said. “I want to get in three a year, per year, every year if I can. That’s my goal for 2025 is to get three more wins, except all three of the wins being against ranked opponents. With three ranked wins and three solid performances, I feel like that sets me up 2026 to be one or two away from a title shot, as crazy as it sounds.”