March 13, 2025 11:20 am ET
LAS VEGAS – Chidi Njokuani desires to take a giant step in his combating profession, and he believes he’s obtained the right platform to take action.
Njokuani (24-10 MMA, 4-3 UFC) returns this Saturday within the co-main occasion of UFC Fight Night 255 (ESPN+), which takes place on the UFC Apex. He takes on fellow welterweight veteran Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.
“It’s been a very long time coming, and I’m grateful for it,” Njokuani stated at Wednesday’s media day when requested about his ideas on combating in a co-main occasion. “I don’t assume I’ve at all times deserved this, so I’m grateful for this. I do wish to make an announcement, and I do wish to transfer up. It begins with the co-main, then the primary, after which the title.”
Njokuani, being the taller fighter with extra vary, plans to struggle dos Santos (25-8-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC), a harmful Brazilian striker, at a distance this Saturday.
“I really feel like I fought opponents fairly related up to now,” Njokuani stated. “It’s a struggle, so something can occur, however I do wish to hold him on the finish of all my punches and kicks, and see how he does with that.”
This bout on Saturday marks Njokuani’s thirty sixth skilled struggle. He’s been combating for nearly 20 years, having made his debut in 2007. He says the important thing to combating at a excessive stage for a very long time is motivation – which he makes positive to guard in any respect time.
“I believe that’s what it’s – objectives,” Njokuani defined. “I’ve to connect objectives to one thing. After I’m within the fitness center, my coaches are yelling, ‘High 15, high 15.’ It motivates me extra as a result of there’s one thing that I’m pushing for. I’m not simply combating simply to struggle. I wish to be the very best. I truly need one thing out of this.”
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