Is Giga Chikadze Georgian? Ethnicity, Religion, Background & More

When MMA fans think of Georgia, they often picture a nation rich with combat sports warriors, like bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who has proudly carried the Georgian flag into the Octagon. But another name that commands respect in the UFC’s featherweight division is Giga Chikadze.

With a striking resume and a powerful backstory, fans have often wondered: Who is the man behind the kicks? From his ethnic roots and religious beliefs to his early life and the people who shaped him, here’s a deep dive into the life of the ‘Ninja’.

Where is Giga Chikadze from? Ethnicity and nationality

Giga Chikadze was born on August 25, 1988, in Tbilisi, the capital of what is now Georgia. At the time, Georgia was still part of the Soviet Union. Chikadze is proudly Georgian, both by ethnicity and nationality, and he has often carried the country’s colors with pride.

Growing up in Tbilisi, he was influenced by the martial arts heroes of his childhood—Jet Li and Bruce Lee. He began training in Gōjū-ryū karate around the age of four, and his destiny was seemingly written by his father, Zaza Chikadze.

According to Giga, his father proclaimed outside the hospital, “Giga Chikadze was born here, son of Zaza. My first-born son. The future World Champion in Judo, swimming. A good fighter and a good man.”

Though he may not have become a judo or swimming champion, he has certainly lived up to the “good fighter” label. Now 36, Chikadze is a force in the UFC’s featherweight division with a professional MMA record of 15-4, including high-profile wins over Edson Barboza and UFC legend, Cub Swanson.

Which religion does Giga Chikadze follow?

While Giga Chikadze has not spoken extensively about his religious views, he is widely known to be a Christian. This aligns with the predominant faith in Georgia, where Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion.

Many Georgians practice their faith with great devotion, and even though Chikadze hasn’t made religion a major talking point publicly, his values and cultural expressions often reflect those rooted in Christianity. His humility, charitable work, and commitment to family reflect the strong social values common in Georgian Christian households.

More about Giga Chikadze’s early life and parents

A big part of Giga Chikadze’s fighting spirit comes from his family, especially his late mother and his father, Zaza Chikadze. While Zaza played a pivotal role in encouraging Giga’s martial arts journey, tragedy struck in 2013 when Chikadze’s mother passed away from breast cancer.

In her honor, and to turn pain into purpose, Chikadze founded the Knockout Cancer Foundation the following year. The charity supports cancer patients with treatment, diagnostics, and rehabilitation.

His efforts were recognized at the highest level when he received the Forrest Griffin Community Award, a prestigious honor in the MMA community. Outside of fighting, Chikadze holds a bachelor’s degree in business and management.

As he prepares for his return at UFC on ESPN 66 against David Onama, Chikadze continues to carry the hopes of Georgian MMA fans, many of whom see him and Merab Dvalishvili as trailblazers for their nation. Do you think ‘Ninja’ will treat the MMA sphere to another highlight reel finish in Kansas City? Let us know in the comments below!