Bryce Mitchell is stepping in short notice. With Giga Chikadze out due to a groin injury, Mitchell (16-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) inserts into the lineup opposite Josh Emmett (18-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) in a featherweight contender prelim. The fight takes place as part of UFC 296 on Dec. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The promotion announced the change Wednesday. Mitchell, 29, bounced back from a submission loss to Ilia Topuria when he defeated Dan Ige by unanimous decision in September.