Chidi Njokuani Explained

Chidi Njokuani
Other Names:Chidi Bang Bang
Birth Name:Chidi Godson Njoku-Ani
Birth Date:31 December 1988
Birth Place:Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Weight Lb:185
Weight Class:Light Heavyweight (Kickboxing)
Welterweight/Middleweight (MMA)
Reach:80 in[1]
Style:Muay Thai
Rank:Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[2]
Stance:Orthodox
Fighting Out Of:Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Team:Janjira Muay Thai
One Kick's Gym
Sergio Penha BJJ
Years Active:2007–present
Trainer:Saeksan Janjira
Nick "One Kick" Blomgren
Sergio Penha
Kickbox Win:12
Kickbox Kowin:7
Kickbox Loss:1
Kickbox Draw:1
Mma Kowin:14
Mma Subwin:1
Mma Decwin:9
Mma Koloss:5
Mma Subloss:3
Mma Decloss:2
Mma Nc:1
Sherdog:25761
Relatives:Anthony Njokuani (brother)

Chidi Godson Njokuani[3] (born December 31, 1988) is an American mixed martial artist, former Muay Thai fighter and 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.

Background

Chidi Njokuani was born to Nigerian parents in Dallas, Texas on December 31, 1988.[4] His name "Chidi" means "God exists" in Igbo.[5] 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.[6]

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)[7] and Ken Tran (a second round knockout at Lion Fight: Battle in the Desert 4 in Las Vegas on November 19, 2011).[8]

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.[9] [10] 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.[11]

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.[12]

Njokuani fought Jeremy Kimball at RFA 7 and lost via submission.[13]

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.[14] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[15]

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.[16] He won that fight via knockout due to a combination of body kick and punches.[17]

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.[18]

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.[19]

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.[20]

Njokuani next moved up to Middleweight to face Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189 on December 1, 2017.[21] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[22]

Njokuani was scheduled to face Melvin Manhoef on November 30, 2018 at Bellator 210.[23] However, Manhoef withdrew from the bout due to injury and was replaced by John Salter.[24] Njokuani lost the bout via submission in the first round.[25]

Njokuani faced Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 224 in a 190-pound Catchweight bout on July 12, 2019.[26] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[27] Njokuani was subsequently released from the promotion.[28]

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.[29]

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.[30]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his UFC debut, Njokuani faced Marc-André Barriault on February 5, 2022 at .[31] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[32] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[33]

Njokuani next faced Duško Todorović on May 21, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 206.[34] He won the fight via knockout due to an elbow at the end of the first round.[35] This win earned him a second consecutive Performance of the Night award.[36]

Njokuani faced Gregory Rodrigues on September 17, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 210.[37] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[38] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[39]

Njokuani faced Albert Duraev on March 25, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 43.[40] He lost the fight via split decision.[41]

Njokuani faced Michał Oleksiejczuk at UFC Fight Night 225 on August 26, 2023.[42] He lost the bout via first round ground and pound TKO stoppage at the end of the first round.[43]

Njokuani faced Rhys McKee on March 30, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 54.[44] He won the fight via split decision.[45]

Njokuani faced Jared Gooden on October 12, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 244.[46] At the weigh-ins, Gooden weighed in at 172.5 pounds, one and a half pounds over the welterweight non-title fight limit.[47] The bout proceeded at catchweight and Gooden was fined 20 percent of his purse which went to Njokuani.[47] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[48]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

|-|Win|align=center|24–10 (1)|Jared Gooden|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States ||-|Win|align=center|23–10 (1)|Rhys McKee|Decision (split)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-|Loss|align=center||Michał Oleksiejczuk|TKO (punches)|||align=center|1|align=center|4:16|Kallang, Singapore||-|Loss|align=center|22–9 (1)|Albert Duraev|Decision (split)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|San Antonio, Texas, United States||-|Loss|align=center|22–8 (1)|Gregory Rodrigues|TKO (punches)| ||align=center|2|align=center|1:27|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|22–7 (1)|Duško Todorović|KO (elbow)|||align=center|1|align=center|4:48|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|21–7 (1)|Marc-André Barriault|KO (punches)|| |align=center|1|align=center|0:16|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|20–7 (1)|Mário Sousa|TKO (elbows)|Dana White's Contender Series 38||align=center|3|align=center|1:35|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|19–7 (1)|Cristhian Torres|TKO (knee to the body and punches)|LFA 91||align=center|2|align=center|4:10|Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States||-|Loss|align=center|18–7 (1)|Rafael Carvalho|Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 224||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States||-|Loss|align=center|18–6 (1)|John Salter|Submission (rear-naked choke)|Bellator 210||align=center|1|align=center|4:32|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States||-|Win|align=center|18–5 (1)|Hisaki Kato|Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 189||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States||-|Loss|align=center|17–5 (1)|Andrey Koreshkov|TKO (punches and elbows)|Bellator 182||align=center|1|align=center|4:08|Verona, New York, United States||-|Win|align=center|17–4 (1)|Melvin Guillard|Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 171||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Mulvane, Kansas, United States||-|Win|align=center|16–4 (1)|André Fialho|TKO (punches)|Bellator 167||align=center|1|align=center|0:21|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States||-|Win|align=center|15–4 (1)|Thiago Gonçalves|KO (body kick and punches)|Bellator 156||align=center|3|align=center|2:39|Fresno, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|14–4 (1)|Ricky Rainey|Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 146||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States||-|Win|align=center|13–4 (1)|Max Griffin|Decision (split)|Tachi Palace Fights 23||align=center|5|align=center|5:00|Lemoore, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|12–4 (1)|Gilbert Smith|Decision (unanimous)|RFA 22||align=center|5|align=center|5:00|Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States||-|Win|align=center|11–4 (1)|Steve Hanna|Decision (unanimous)|RFA 18||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States||-|NC|align=center|10–4 (1)|Chris Heatherly|NC (elbow to spine)|RFA 13||align=center|1|align=center|3:31|Lincoln, Nebraska, United States||-|Win|align=center|10–4|LeVon Maynard|TKO (punches)|ShinZo Fight Sport 1||align=center|1|align=center|4:40|Guatemala City, Guatemala||-|Loss|align=center|9–4|Jeremy Kimball|Submission (rear-naked choke)|RFA 7||align=center|2|align=center|1:51|Denver, Colorado, United States||-|Win|align=center|9–3|Phil Dace|TKO (punches)|RFA 4||align=center|3|align=center|0:41|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|8–3|Bobby Cooper|Decision (unanimous)|RFA 3||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Kearney, Nebraska, United States||-|Win|align=center|7–3|John Reedy|TKO (leg kick)|Tachi Palace Fights 13||align=center|1|align=center|0:55|Lemoore, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|6–3|Jon Harris|TKO (knee and punches)|Legacy FC 10||align=center|1|align=center|1:54|Houston, Texas, United States||-|Loss|align=center|5–3|Brandon Thatch|TKO (punches)|Ring of Fire 41: Bragging Rights| |align=center|1|align=center|0:53|Broomfield, Colorado, United States||-|Win|align=center|5–2|Alan Jouban|TKO (body kick)|Tachi Palace Fights 9||align=center|3|align=center|1:27|Lemoore, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|4–2|Jack Montgomery|Submission (guillotine choke)|KOTC: Infusion||align=center|1|align=center|1:35|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|3–2|Chris Kennedy|KO (punches)|MMA Xplosion: Vianna vs. Lacy||align=center|1|align=center|0:52|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|2–2|Jorge Lopez|TKO (punches)|MMA Xplosion: Wren vs. Higgins||align=center|1|align=center|4:15|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|2–1|Warren Thompson|Submission (keylock)|Bangkok Fight Night 3||align=center|1|align=center|1:05|Atlanta, Georgia, United States||-|Win|align=center|2–0|Andrew Moncriefe|TKO (punches)|Supreme Warrior Championship 1||align=center|1|align=center|0:22|Frisco, Texas, United States||-|Win|align=center|1–0|Jorge Cortez|TKO (punches)|FTP: Global Showdown||align=center|1|align=center|1:30|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States|[50]

Kickboxing record (incomplete)

|- bgcolor="#c5d2ea"|2013-9-28 || Draw ||align=left| Simon Marcus || Push Kick Promotions: Muay Thai World Stand Off 5 || Las Vegas, Nevada, US || Decision (majority) || 3 || 3:00 || 0–2–1|- bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 2009-4-25 || Loss ||align=left| Joe Schilling || Dominant Knockout 1 || Irving, Texas, US|| Decision (unanimous) || 5 || 3:00 || 0-2 |- bgcolor="#FFBBBB"| 2008-5-3 || Loss ||align=left| Raymond Daniels || World Combat League || Oklahoma, USA || Decision (18-6) || 1 || 3:00 || 0-1

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Stats UFC. 2020-10-04. ufcstats.com.
  2. Web site: Chidi Njokuani UFC. UFC.com. 15 April 2021 . September 18, 2022.
  3. Web site: Chidi Njokuani ("Bang Bang") MMA Fighter Page . 2024-09-25 . Tapology . en.
  4. Web site: Lee . Alexander K. . 2017-08-25 . Njokuani's winning ways began when he decided to stop wasting his talents . 2022-03-18 . MMA Fighting . en.
  5. Web site: Campbell . Mike . Meaning, origin and history of the name Chidi . 2022-03-18 . Behind the Name . en.
  6. Web site: 2011-11-17 . Fight Path: Chidi Njokuani balances MMA and muay Thai careers with brother's help . 2022-03-18 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  7. Web site: 2012-08-29 . Muay Thai Authority: Malaipet, Yarborough, and Njokuani kickboxing results . 2022-05-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120829160203/http://muaythaiauthority.com/2011/07/malaipet-yarborough-and-njokuani.html . 29 August 2012 . dead.
  8. Web site: 2011-11-24 . Muay Thai Authority: Results and Recap: Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 4" . 2022-05-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111124025344/http://www.muaythaiauthority.com/2011/11/results-and-recap-lion-fight-promotions.html . 24 November 2011 . dead.
  9. Web site: 2013-12-17 . Push Kick Promotions set for September 28th in Las Vegas ~ Muay Thai Authority . 2022-05-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131217034034/http://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/07/push-kick-promotions-set-for-september.html . 17 December 2013 . dead.
  10. Web site: 2013-12-17 . Simon Marcus vs. Chidi Njokuani set for September 28th at Push Kick's "Muay Thai World Stand Off Las Vegas" ~ Muay Thai Authority . 2022-05-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131217033757/http://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/07/simon-marcus-vs-chidi-njokuani-set-for.html . 17 December 2013 . dead.
  11. Web site: 2013-10-04 . Push Kick Promotions "World Stand Off 5" Results and Recap: Marcus vs. Njokuani ends in controversial draw ~ Muay Thai Authority . 2022-05-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131004154528/https://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/09/push-kick-promotions-world-stand-off-5.html . 4 October 2013 . dead.
  12. Web site: Stumberg . Patrick L. . 2012-11-03 . RFA 4 Recap: Griffin, Njokuani Roll In Las Vegas . 2022-05-18 . MMAmania.com . en.
  13. Web site: Winston . Dallas . 2013-03-23 . RFA 7 Complete Results with Animated Gifs . 2022-05-18 . Bloody Elbow . en.
  14. Web site: stevejuon . 2015-10-08 . Bellator 146 Gets Some 'Bang Bang' . 2022-05-18 . MMAmania.com . en.
  15. Web site: bjpenndotcom . 2015-11-21 . Bellator 146 results: Chidi Njokuani wins via decision . 2022-05-18 . BJPenn.com . en-US.
  16. Web site: Cruz . Guilherme . 2016-06-10 . Njokuani vs. Goncalves set for Bellator 156 . 2022-05-18 . MMA Fighting . en.
  17. Web site: Mazique . Brian . Bellator 156 Results: Winners, Scorecards from Galvao vs. Dantas Card . 2022-05-18 . Bleacher Report . en.
  18. Web site: Mercado . Eddie . 2016-12-03 . Bellator 167 results and videos: Caldwell beats Taimanglo in rematch . 2022-05-05 . Bloody Elbow . en.
  19. Web site: Segura . Danny . 2017-01-28 . Bellator 171 results: Chidi Njokuani dominates Melvin Guillard in unanimous decision . 2022-05-18 . MMA Fighting . en.
  20. Web site: 2017-08-26 . Bellator 182 results: Ex-champ Andrey Koreshkov pounds out Chidi Njokuani in first round . 2022-05-18 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  21. Web site: Sherdog.com . Chidi Njokuani Moves Up To Middleweight, Meets Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189 in Oklahoma . 2022-05-18 . Sherdog . en.
  22. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2017-12-01 . Bellator 189 Results: Chidi Njokuani Dominates Hisaki Kato . 2022-05-18 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  23. Web site: Lee . Alexander K. . 2018-09-19 . Melvin Manhoef vs. Chidi Njokuani to headline Bellator 210 . 2022-05-18 . MMA Fighting . en.
  24. Web site: Sherdog.com . Melvin Manhoef Out, John Salter in Against Chidi Njokuani at Bellator 210 . 2022-05-18 . Sherdog . en.
  25. Web site: 2018-12-01 . Bellator 210 results: John Salter submits Chidi Njokuani on short notice, sets record . 2022-05-18 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  26. Web site: Cruz . Guilherme . 2019-05-27 . Rafael Carvalho vs. Chidi Njokuani targeted for Bellator 224 . 2022-05-18 . MMA Fighting . en.
  27. Web site: 2019-07-13 . Bellator 224 results: Takedowns pace Rafael Carvalho win over Chidi Njokuani . 2022-05-18 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  28. Web site: 2019-08-16 . Chidi Njokuani, Hisaki Kato among nine fighters released by Bellator . 2022-05-18 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  29. Web site: Sherdog.com . Chidi Njokuani Shreds Cristhian Torres in Gory Legacy Fighting Alliance 91 Main Event . 2022-05-18 . Sherdog . en.
  30. Web site: 2021-09-08 . Dana White's Contender Series 38 results: 5 more fighters score UFC deals . 2022-05-18 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  31. Web site: Dorff. Marcel. 2021-10-03. Marc-André Barriault treft UFC debutant Chidi Njokuani tijdens UFC evenement op 5 februari. 2023-07-24. MMA DNA. nl.
  32. Web site: Bitter. Shawn. 2022-02-05. UFC Vegas 47: Lightning-Quick Finish Has Chidi Njokuani Stop Marc-André Barriault In Seconds. 2022-02-05. Cageside Press. en-US.
  33. Web site: 2022-02-06. UFC Fight Night 200 bonuses: Julian Erosa pockets $100k for Fight of the Night. Matthew. Wells. 2022-02-06. MMA Junkie. en-US.
  34. Web site: 2022-03-17 . UFC Njokuani wil imposant debuut goed vervolg geven tegen Todorovic . 2022-03-18 . Eurosport . nl.
  35. Web site: Law . Eddie . 2022-05-21 . UFC Vegas 55 Results: Chidi Njokuani Lands Massive Elbow, KOs Todorovic . 2022-05-22 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  36. Web site: UFC Vegas 55 bonuses: Chase Hooper leads $50K winners for return TKO. mmamania.com. Dan Hiergesell. 2022-05-21. 2022-05-21.
  37. Web site: Cruz . Guilherme . 2022-06-25 . Gregory Rodrigues vs. Chidi Njokuani set for Sept. 17 UFC event . 2022-06-27 . MMA Fighting . en.
  38. Web site: Law . Eddie . 2022-09-17 . UFC Vegas 60: Gregory Rodrigues Survives Getting Hurt Early, Nasty Cut, Wins Via R2 TKO . 2022-09-18 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  39. Web site: UFC Fight Night 210 bonuses: Gregory Rodrigues lived up to his nickname for extra $50,000. mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Staff. 2022-09-17. 2022-09-18.
  40. Web site: Chidi Njokuani, Albert Duraev to Clash at UFC on ESPN 43 on March 25. Sherdog.com. Tristen Critchfield. 2022-12-17. 2022-12-17.
  41. Web site: UFC San Antonio: Albert Duraev wins close split decision over Chidi Njokuani. Cageside Press. Val Dewar. 2023-03-25. 2023-03-25.
  42. Web site: Erin Blanchfield vs. Taila Santos Booked for UFC Singapore. Jay Anderson. June 28, 2023. cagesidepress.com.
  43. Web site: Theodosi . Jamie . 2023-08-26 . UFC Singapore: Michal Oleksiejczuk Comes From Behind To Finish Chidi Njokuani In Round One . 2023-08-26 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  44. Web site: Desk . ITN News . 2024-01-11 . Chidi Njokuani vs Rhys McKee Announced for UFC Atlantic City . 2024-01-11 . www.itnwwe.com . en-US.
  45. Web site: Dewar . Val . 2024-03-31 . UFC Atlantic City: Chidi Njokuani Outstrikes Rhys McKee, Wins Decision . 2024-03-31 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  46. Web site: Morning Report: Conor McGregor says Michael Chandler fight 'is rescheduled for the end of this calendar year' - Fight Announcements. mmafighting.com. Drake Riggs. 2024-07-19. 2024-07-19.
  47. Web site: UFC Vegas 98 weigh-in results: 3 fighters over the limit. mmafighting.com. Alexander K. Lee. 2024-10-11. 2024-10-11.
  48. Web site: UFC Vegas 98: Chidi Njokuani Too Much for Jared Gooden. cagesidepress.com. Jay Anderson. 2024-10-12. 2024-10-12.
  49. Web site: Staff. en-US. 2021-10-24. UFC Fight Night 196 bonuses: Marvin Vettori gets extra $50,000 – but none for Paulo Costa. 2021-10-24. MMA Junkie.
  50. Web site: Sherdog.com. Chidi Njokuani. Sherdog.

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