LAS VEGAS – Chidi Njokuani desires to take a giant step in his fighting profession, and he believes he’s got the proper platform to accomplish that.
Njokuani (24-10 MMA, 4-3 UFC) returns this Saturday within the co-main event 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 protracted time coming, and I’m thankful for it,” Njokuani said at Wednesday’s media day when asked about his thoughts on fighting in a co-main event. “I don’t think I’ve at all times deserved this, so I’m thankful for this. I do have the desire to make a press release, and I do need to move up. It starts with the co-main, then the essential, after which the title.”
Njokuani, being the taller fighter with more range, plans to fight dos Santos (25-8-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC), a dangerous Brazilian striker, at a distance this Saturday.
“I feel like I fought opponents pretty similar up to now,” Njokuani said. “It’s a fight, so anything can occur, but I do need to keep him at the tip of all my punches and kicks, and see how he does with that.”
This bout on Saturday marks Njokuani’s thirty sixth skilled fight. He’s been fighting for nearly 20 years, having made his debut in 2007. He says the important thing to fighting at a high level for a very long time is motivation – which he makes sure to guard in any respect time.
“I believe that’s what it’s – goals,” Njokuani explained. “I even have to connect goals to something. Once I’m within the gym, my coaches are yelling, ‘Top 15, top 15.’ It motivates me more because there’s something that I’m pushing for. I’m not only fighting simply to fight. I would like to be the perfect. I actually want something out of this.”
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