Chidi Njokuani

Chidi Njokuani (born December 31, 1988) is an American mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai kickboxer, who currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional MMA competitor since 2007, he also formerly competed for Bellator MMA, RFA, Tachi Palace Fights, and Legacy FC.

Chidi Njokuani
BornChidi Njoku-Ani
(1988-12-31) December 31, 1988
Dallas, Texas, United States
Other namesChidi Bang Bang
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
DivisionLight Heavyweight (Kickboxing)
Welterweight/Middleweight (MMA)
Reach80 in (203 cm)[1]
StyleMuay Thai
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofLas Vegas, Nevada, United States
TeamJanjira Muay Thai
One Kick's Gym
Sergio Penha BJJ
TrainerSaeksan Janjira
Nick "One Kick" Blomgren
Sergio Penha
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[2]
Years active2007–present
Kickboxing record
Total14
Wins12
By knockout7
Losses1
Draws1
Mixed martial arts record
Total33
Wins22
By knockout14
By submission1
By decision7
Losses10
By knockout5
By submission3
By decision2
No contests1
Other information
Notable relativesAnthony Njokuani (brother)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Chidi Njokuani was born to Nigerian parents in Dallas, Texas on December 31, 1988.[3] His name "Chidi" means "God exists" in Igbo.[4] He was introduced to Muay Thai by his older brother Anthony at the age of 10 and began competing at the age of 11. He was temporarily distracted from Muay Thai with skateboarding during his teenage years but eventually returned to fighting and discovered mixed martial arts at the age of 18.[5]

Kickboxing & Muay Thai career

Turning professional in 2007 after around fifteen amateur Muay Thai fights, Chidi Njokuani came to prominence competing in the -80.7 kg/178 lb division for the Oklahoma Destroyers in the team-based World Combat League kickboxing promotion during the 2007-08 season in which he lost matches to such notables as Raymond Daniels and Lyman Good. He suffered his first professional Muay Thai loss at the hands of Joe Schilling on April 25, 2009 (dropping a unanimous decision at Dominant Knockout 1 in Irving, Texas) but rebounded with back-to-back defeats of Edwin Aguilar (a UD win under Oriental kickboxing rules at Kickboxing Empire I in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 30, 2011)[6] and Ken Tran (a second round knockout at Lion Fight: Battle in the Desert 4 in Las Vegas on November 19, 2011).[7]

Returning to the Muay Thai ring, Njokuani fought to a controversial majority draw with Simon Marcus on the Push Kick Promotions: Muay Thai World Stand Off 5 card in Las Vegas on September 29, 2013.[8][9] Njokuani started the fight well, using footwork to control the ring, but Marcus soon got inside and began landing knees and elbows from the clinch. In round two, Njokuani was twice given time to recover from illegal strikes, an elbow to the back of the head and a low blow. Each time the fight continued, Marcus would begin to again work in the clinch and Njokuani repeatedly turned his back, so the referee decided to break the fighters continually. Marcus was docked a point by referee Tony Weeks for landing a second low blow in round three and the fight turned into a brawl towards the end. When it went to the judges, the bout was declared a majority draw with two judges scoring the bout a draw and one scoring the bout for Njokuani. Simon Marcus then took to the microphone, calling Chidi Njokuani a "bitch" for his unwillingness to fight in the clinch and questioning the judges knowledge of the Muay Thai scoring system. These post-fight comments led to a heated confrontation between Marcus and Chidi's brother Anthony as they scuffled back stage.[10]

Mixed martial arts career

Resurrection Fighting Alliance

Having compiled a 7–3 record as a mixed martial artist, Njokuani signed with the Resurrection Fighting Alliance in 2012. He made his RFA debut at RFA 3: Stevenson vs. Cochrane, against Bobby Cooper. He won via the first decision of his career.

Njokuani then was paired up with Phil Dace at RFA 4. He won via TKO.[11]

Njokuani fought Jeremy Kimball at RFA 7 and lost via submission.[12]

Bellator MMA

In June 2015, it was announced that Njokuani had signed with Bellator MMA. He made his debut against Ricky Rainey at Bellator 146 on November 20, 2015.[13] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[14]

In his second fight for the promotion, Njokuani was scheduled to face Douglas Lima, however Lima pulled out of the bout and was replaced b Thiago Jambo at Bellator 156 on June 17, 2016.[15] He won that fight via knockout due to a combination of body kick and punches.[16]

In his highest profile fight for the promotion, Njokuani faced undefeated prospect André Fialho at Bellator 167 on December 3, 2016. He won the fight via knockout just 21 seconds into the first round.[17]

Making a quick return to the cage, Njokuani faced Melvin Guillard in the main event at Bellator 171 on January 27, 2017. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[18]

Njokuani faced former Bellator welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 182 on August 25, 2017. He lost the fight in the first round via a combination of punches and elbows.[19]

Njokuani next moved up to Middleweight to face Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189 on December 1, 2017.[20] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[21]

Njokuani was scheduled to face Melvin Manhoef on November 30, 2018 at Bellator 210.[22] However, Manhoef withdrew from the bout due to injury and was replaced by John Salter.[23] Njokuani lost the bout via submission in the first round.[24]

Njokuani faced Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 224 in a 190 pound Catchweight bout on July 12, 2019.[25] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[26] Njokuani was subsequently released from the promotion.[27]

Post-Bellator

After being released from Bellator, Njokuani signed a contract with Legacy Fighting Alliance. He made his promotional debut against Cristhian Torres at LFA 91: Njokuani vs. Torres on September 11, 2020, winning by second-round technical knockout.[28]

Njokuani faced Mario Sousa on September 7, 2021 at Dana White's Contender Series 38. He won the bout in the third round via ground and pound elbows. In the process, he also secured a UFC contract.[29]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his UFC debut, Njokuani faced Marc-André Barriault on February 5, 2022 at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland.[30] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[31] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[32]

Njokuani next faced Duško Todorović on May 21, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 206.[33] He won the fight via knockout due to an elbow at the end of the first round.[34] This win earned him a second consecutive Performance of the Night award.[35]

Njokuani faced Gregory Rodrigues on September 17, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 210.[36] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[37] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[38]

Njokuani faced Albert Duraev on March 25, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 43.[39] He lost the fight via split decision.[40]

Njokuani faced Michał Oleksiejczuk at UFC Fight Night 225 on August 26, 2023.[41] He lost the bout via first round ground and pound TKO stoppage at the end of the first round.[42]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
33 matches 22 wins 10 losses
By knockout 14 5
By submission 1 3
By decision 7 2
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 22–10 (1) Michał Oleksiejczuk TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. The Korean Zombie August 26, 2023 1 4:16 Kallang, Singapore
Loss 22–9 (1) Albert Duraev Decision (split) UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Sandhagen March 25, 2023 3 5:00 San Antonio, Texas, United States
Loss 22–8 (1) Gregory Rodrigues TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song September 17, 2022 2 1:27 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 22–7 (1) Duško Todorović KO (elbow) UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Vieira May 21, 2022 1 4:48 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 21–7 (1) Marc-André Barriault KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland February 5, 2022 1 0:16 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 20–7 (1) Mário Sousa TKO (elbows) Dana White's Contender Series 38 September 7, 2021 3 1:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 19–7 (1) Cristhian Torres TKO (knee to the body and punches) LFA 91 September 11, 2020 2 4:10 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
Loss 18–7 (1) Rafael Carvalho Decision (unanimous) Bellator 224 July 12, 2019 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Catchweight (190 lb) bout.
Loss 18–6 (1) John Salter Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 210 November 30, 2018 1 4:32 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Win 18–5 (1) Hisaki Kato Decision (unanimous) Bellator 189 December 1, 2017 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Middleweight debut.
Loss 17–5 (1) Andrey Koreshkov TKO (punches and elbows) Bellator 182 August 25, 2017 1 4:08 Verona, New York, United States Catchweight (175 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.
Win 17–4 (1) Melvin Guillard Decision (unanimous) Bellator 171 January 27, 2017 3 5:00 Mulvane, Kansas, United States Catchweight (180 lb) bout.
Win 16–4 (1) André Fialho TKO (punches) Bellator 167 December 3, 2016 1 0:21 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Catchweight (175 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.
Win 15–4 (1) Thiago Gonçalves KO (body kick and punches) Bellator 156 June 17, 2016 3 2:39 Fresno, California, United States
Win 14–4 (1) Ricky Rainey Decision (unanimous) Bellator 146 November 20, 2015 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Win 13–4 (1) Max Griffin Decision (split) TPF 23 May 7, 2015 5 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Won the TPF Welterweight Championship.
Win 12–4 (1) Gilbert Smith Decision (unanimous) RFA 22 January 9, 2015 5 5:00 Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States Njokuani missed weight (174.6 lb); Only Smith was eligible to win the vacant RFA Welterweight Championship.
Win 11–4 (1) Steve Hanna Decision (unanimous) RFA 18 September 12, 2014 3 5:00 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Catchweight (173.4 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.
NC 10–4 (1) Chris Heatherly NC (elbow to spine) RFA 13 March 7, 2014 1 3:31 Lincoln, Nebraska, United States Catchweight (172 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.
Win 10–4 LeVon Maynard TKO (punches) ShinZo Fight Sport 1 August 16, 2013 1 4:40 Guatemala City, Guatemala
Loss 9–4 Jeremy Kimball Submission (rear-naked choke) RFA 7 March 22, 2013 2 1:51 Denver, Colorado, United States Catchweight (180 lb) bout.
Win 9–3 Phil Dace TKO (punches) RFA 4 November 2, 2012 3 0:41 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–3 Bobby Cooper Decision (unanimous) RFA 3 June 30, 2012 3 5:00 Kearney, Nebraska, United States
Win 7–3 John Reedy TKO (leg kick) TPF 13 May 10, 2012 1 0:55 Lemoore, California, United States Catchweight (173.6 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.
Win 6–3 Jon Harris TKO (knee and punches) Legacy FC 10 February 24, 2012 1 1:54 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 5–3 Brandon Thatch TKO (punches) Ring of Fire 41: Bragging Rights August 20, 2011 1 0:53 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Catchweight (173 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.
Win 5–2 Alan Jouban TKO (body kick) TPF 9 May 6, 2011 3 1:27 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 4–2 Jack Montgomery Submission (guillotine choke) KOTC: Infusion November 13, 2010 1 1:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 3–2 Chris Kennedy KO (punches) MMA Xplosion: Vianna vs. Lacy July 31, 2010 1 0:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 2–2 Jorge Lopez TKO (punches) MMA Xplosion: Next Generation Fighter May 22, 2010 1 4:15 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 2–1 Warren Thompson Submission (keylock) Bangkok Fight Night 3 September 24, 2009 1 1:05 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 2–0 Andrew Moncriefe TKO (punches) Supreme Warrior Championship 1 September 19, 2008 1 0:22 Frisco, Texas, United States
Win 1–0 Jorge Cortez TKO (punches) FTP: Global Showdown November 3, 2007 1 1:30 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States

[44]

Kickboxing record (incomplete)
Professional kickboxing record
0 wins , 2 loss, 1 draw
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTimeRecord
2013-9-28DrawCanada Simon MarcusPush Kick Promotions: Muay Thai World Stand Off 5Las Vegas, Nevada, USDecision (majority)33:000-2-1
2009-4-25LossUnited States Joe SchillingDominant Knockout 1Irving, Texas, USDecision (unanimous)53:000-2
2008-5-3LossUnited States Raymond DanielsWorld Combat LeagueOklahoma, USADecision (18-6)13:000-1

See also

References
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  2. "Chidi Njokuani | UFC". UFC.com. 15 April 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  3. Lee, Alexander K. (2017-08-25). "Njokuani's winning ways began when he decided to stop wasting his talents". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  4. Campbell, Mike. "Meaning, origin and history of the name Chidi". Behind the Name. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  5. "Fight Path: Chidi Njokuani balances MMA and muay Thai careers with brother's help". MMA Junkie. 2011-11-17. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  6. "Muay Thai Authority: Malaipet, Yarborough, and Njokuani kickboxing results". 2012-08-29. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  7. "Muay Thai Authority: Results and Recap: Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 4"". 2011-11-24. Archived from the original on 24 November 2011. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  8. "Push Kick Promotions set for September 28th in Las Vegas ~ Muay Thai Authority". 2013-12-17. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  9. "Simon Marcus vs. Chidi Njokuani set for September 28th at Push Kick's "Muay Thai World Stand Off Las Vegas" ~ Muay Thai Authority". 2013-12-17. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  10. "Push Kick Promotions "World Stand Off 5" Results and Recap: Marcus vs. Njokuani ends in controversial draw ~ Muay Thai Authority". 2013-10-04. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  11. Stumberg, Patrick L. (2012-11-03). "RFA 4 Recap: Griffin, Njokuani Roll In Las Vegas". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  12. Winston, Dallas (2013-03-23). "RFA 7 Complete Results with Animated Gifs". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
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  14. bjpenndotcom (2015-11-21). "Bellator 146 results: Chidi Njokuani wins via decision". | BJPenn.com. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
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  16. Mazique, Brian. "Bellator 156 Results: Winners, Scorecards from Galvao vs. Dantas Card". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  17. Mercado, Eddie (2016-12-03). "Bellator 167 results and videos: Caldwell beats Taimanglo in rematch". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
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  25. Cruz, Guilherme (2019-05-27). "Rafael Carvalho vs. Chidi Njokuani targeted for Bellator 224". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
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  38. Staff (2022-09-17). "UFC Fight Night 210 bonuses: Gregory Rodrigues lived up to his nickname for extra $50,000". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2022-09-18.
  39. Tristen Critchfield (2022-12-17). "Chidi Njokuani, Albert Duraev to Clash at UFC on ESPN 43 on March 25". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2022-12-17.
  40. Val Dewar (2023-03-25). "UFC San Antonio: Albert Duraev wins close split decision over Chidi Njokuani". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
  41. Jay Anderson (June 28, 2023). "Erin Blanchfield vs. Taila Santos Booked for UFC Singapore". cagesidepress.com.
  42. Theodosi, Jamie (2023-08-26). "UFC Singapore: Michal Oleksiejczuk Comes From Behind To Finish Chidi Njokuani In Round One". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  43. Staff (2021-10-24). "UFC Fight Night 196 bonuses: Marvin Vettori gets extra $50,000 – but none for Paulo Costa". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
  44. Sherdog.com. "Chidi Njokuani". Sherdog.
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