Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans have confirmed to MMA Fighting that Chikadze will now face Titan FC bantamweight champion Irwin Rivera in a featherweight matchup. On less than 48 hours notice, Rivera—who confirmed the booking on Twitter—will replace Mike Davis who was forced to withdraw from the scheduled bout.
Chikadze enters the contest riding a four-fight winning streak since losing to Austin Springer via third-round submission on Dana White’s Contender Series in June 2018. After a pair of finishes under the Gladiator Challenge banner, the 31-year-old made his UFC debut this past September and picked up a split decision win over Brandon Davis.