Kevin Vallejos, the 24-year-old Argentine MMA sensation dubbed the "Topuria argentino," just delivered a career-defining moment. In a shocking second-round knockout of veteran Giga Chikadze at UFC Vegas 112 on December 13, 2025, Vallejos propelled himself into the featherweight top 15.
The Fight That Shook Las Vegas
Picture this: the Apex in Las Vegas, the final UFC Fight Night of 2025, and all eyes on the co-main event. Vallejos (now 17-1) faced off against the unbeaten-in-finishes Giga Chikadze (15-6), a 37-year-old Georgian striker ranked No. 15 in the division.
What happened next was pure fireworks. Vallejos landed a
devastating spinning backfist that dropped Chikadze cold, securing the win and etching his name in highlight reels worldwide. This wasn't just a victory – it was a statement. The kid from Batán, Buenos Aires, turned a "proof of fire" matchup into his personal coronation.
Fans and analysts are buzzing. Vallejos' explosive style – aggressive striking, relentless pressure, and that viral KO power – has drawn endless comparisons to UFC champ Ilia Topuria.
From Contender Series Heartbreak to UFC Stardom
Vallejos' path wasn't paved with gold. His pro record hit a snag in 2023 on Dana White's Contender Series, losing a unanimous decision to Jean Silva – his lone defeat. But praise poured in from UFC brass, and he bounced back with a vicious KO to earn his contract.
2025 breakout year:- Debut KO victory in UFC
- Follow-up win over Danny Silva
- Now, this Chikadze masterclass – three straight UFC triumphs
"No lo esperábamos tan pronto," Vallejos told Infobae pre-fight, blending humility with hunger. He's on an
11-fight win streak overall, and this leapfrogs him past veterans who've grinded longer.
The 'Chino' Factor: Style, Swagger, and Big Dreams
Why the Topuria hype? Vallejos mirrors the champ's stance, forward pressure, and leg-kick absorbing power. But he's got his own edge – a grappling game honed without Topuria's Greco-Roman roots.
In a bold ESPN interview, he declared:
"Voy a ser mejor que Ilia Topuria." At 24, with prime years ahead, he's not bluffing. Post-fight, eyes are on a Miami return in April 2026.
Off the mat, Vallejos stays grounded in Argentina. He skips the overseas grind to build MMA at home, dreaming of UFC events in Buenos Aires with family cheering live. Money talk? He chased a bonus last fight (no dice), but now lets fists do the talking.
What’s Next for Argentina’s Featherweight Firebrand?
This win catapults Vallejos into title contention talks – though he pumps the brakes:
"Es muy pronto." Vengeance against Silva looms, but first, top 10 tests.
Argentina's MMA scene is heating up, with Vallejos crediting a tight-knit new generation over past solo acts like Ponzinibbio. If he keeps this momentum, expect UFC Argentina sooner than later.
One thing's clear: Kevin "Chino" Vallejos isn't just rising – he's redefining Argentine pride in the Octagon. Buckle up; 2026 could be his year to claim that belt.
Sources
1. Vuelve el 'Chino' Vallejos, la gran esperanza de las MMA ...
2. El argentino Kevin Vallejos afrontará un desafío ... - Infobae
3. Kevin Vallejos noqueó a una leyenda en UFC Fight Night ...
4. Kevin Vallejos, el 'Topuria argentino' que irrumpe en la UFC
5. Kevin Vallejos (Peso Pluma) Perfil de MMA
6. Kevin Vallejos, el 'Topuria argentino' que irrumpe en la UFC
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