5 blockbuster fights to book in the UFC featherweight division
![UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski [Image via @espnmma on Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/04/99e0f-16495907201734-1920.jpg?w=500)
The UFC's featherweight division is brimming with world class talent at the moment. It is one of the most stacked weight classes in all of combat sports and is reigned over by a dominant champion, Alexander Volkanovski.
The Australian defended his title at the recently concluded UFC 273 pay-per-view against MMA veteran Chan Sung Jung aka 'The Korean Zombie'. This marked the his third title defense, having already beaten Max Holloway and Brian Ortega.
Numerous contenders are on the rise at 145 pounds. The likes of Bryce Mitchell and Arnold Allen have enjoyed breakout performances in 2022. Meanwhile, a couple of established names in the division, Yair Rodriguez and Zabit Magomedsharipov, are reportedly set to return to the octagon in the coming months.
On that note, here are five blockbuster fights to book in the UFC featherweight division.
#5. Giga Chikadze vs. Bryce Mitchell
Bryce Mitchell is an ominous presence in the UFC featherweight division. The Arkansas native boasts a perfect professional record of 15-0 and has emerged as a fan-favorite in recent times. Mitchell is coming off a dominant victory over Edson Barboza at UFC 272, which saw him break into the top 10 at 145 pounds.
'Thug Nasty' is a real threat to a lot of the other fighters in the top 10. In a division seemingly loaded with strikers, the grappling phenom is a bad matchup for almost anyone. He has nine submission victories to his name and is extremely dangerous on the mat.
Who has the best chance of halting Bryce Mitchell's winning streak?
More #UFC272 facts: bit.ly/3MEaFx5 https://t.co/VV3ggEPVmT
Mitchell isn't the most active fighter around. He typically fights once or twice a year and will likely return to the octagon before 2023. Currently ranked No.9, a bout against No.8-ranked Giga Chikadze makes sense.
Chikadze's hype train was derailed in devastating fashion by Calvin Kattar in January. The Georgian sustained a ton of damage en route to a resounding unanimous decision loss to Kattar and should ideally take some time off to properly recover before returning to action.
Giga Chikadze is a world-class striker, making a potential showdown with Bryce Mitchell very intriguing. Striker vs. grappler matchups are always fun to watch and it'll be interesting to see who can impose their style on their opponent if and when they eventually lock horns.
What do you all think of Giga Chikadze vs Bryce Mitchell? https://t.co/jaKTz3Jhva