UFC Vegas 55, The Morning After: What took so extended for Njokuani to sign up for UFC?

Chidi Njokuani is a important asset for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Final night, “Bang Bang” picked up his next to start with-spherical knockout victory inside the Octagon above Dusko Todorovic. However it took a several minutes for a longer period, it was arguably much more extraordinary than his 16-second starching of Marc-Andre Barriault. Immediately after showcasing high-quality takedown defense, Njokuani took a likelihood by leaping on an anaconda choke. His set up was truly rather outstanding, even if he didn’t take care of to complete the choke.

As a end result of the failed submission, Todorovic managed to rack up some manage time. Even so, Njokuani fought hands like the veteran he is, returned to his ft, and then brutally planted Todorovic on the canvas with a solitary elbow on the break.

A few journeys to the Octagon (counting “Contenders Series”) resulted in 3 vicious knockouts. Njokuani is plainly a worthwhile member of the Middleweight division, able of defeating hard opponents in highlight reel manner. At 33 yrs of age, even so, it has to be asked: what took so extended?

Njokuani commenced his experienced profession in 2007, speedily developing himself as a knockout artist on the regional scene. He was not a ideal fighter, and probably he’s continue to not likely to become an elite danger supplied that his ground game stays a thing of a liable compared to his Muay Thai. However, with a sturdy file that showcased some high quality names like Alan Jouban on his early resume, Njokuani would’ve been a sensible UFC pickup as early as 2013.

It hardly ever occurred. Njokuani ended up signing up for Bellator in 2015 and put in four years on their roster, buying up some quality wins but losing to the cream of the crop. All around this time period is also when Njokuani figured anything out: he was too damn huge for 170 lbs. There were rising pains, but presently, he appears to be the part of a lanky and solid Middleweight knockout artist.

“Bang Bang” in no way should have been pressured to combat on “Contenders Series.” He’s not some 6- unproven prospect. By the time Njokuani built his very first walk to the official UFC Octagon, he was a total solution, 1 ready to set on a present. He’s finished just that, promptly creating himself as a premier action fighter at 185 lbs. at the extremely minimum, and potentially his ceiling is even larger than we expect.

It was a prolonged street for Njokuani, but the good news is, it does not seem like time wasted. Njokuani has located his suitable pounds class, stuffed the most important holes in his recreation, and stands all set to set on a clearly show each and every and each and every time. He’s a major ending danger, just one who delivers motion to any card he’s on.

In the UFC Apex era particularly, which is accurately what the organization requirements to purpose.

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