All those fresh faces have a little work to do before they’re fighting the likes of Chookagian, though, and so all “Blonde Fighter” can do is fight who the UFC gives her, which she is keen to do. Chookagian joked that the four-week break between UFC cards over the holiday season spot lit how much her life revolves around watching the sport. She didn’t mind having to train over that stretch, either, saying she would gladly give up Christmas dinners if it means having time to enjoy the Long Island summer.
She said her favorite year was the stretch from her first fight with Maia to her win over Calvillo, which included five fights in about 13 months. A hyperactive year is possible with the early start in 2022, but Chookagian also understands her position at the top of the division means she can’t really just fight anybody, especially because she already has wins over much of the Top 10. Regardless, even as she continues to put her name in the record books with each performance, her focus remains on the ultimate goal: UFC gold.
“Being tied with the most wins with Valentina is great, but I’m such a go-getter,” Chookagian said. “I’m looking at the title. It doesn’t matter if I have double the amount of wins than Valentina. All that matters is being the champ, so I kind of set myself with high expectations. The stats don’t really matter. All that matters to me is really being the champ.”
UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs Chikadze will take place Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the UFC APEX, airing live on ESPN/ESPN+. Prelims begin at 4pm ET/1pm PT. Main card begins at 7pm ET/4pm PT.