Chidi Njokuani

Chidi Godson Njokuani[1] (born December 31, 1988) is an American-Nigerian former Muay Thai kickboxer and current professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Middleweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional MMA competitor since 2007, he also formerly competed for the RFA, Tachi Palace Fights, and Legacy FC.

Chidi Njokuani
BornChidi Godson Njoku-Ani
(1988-12-31) December 31, 1988
Dallas, Texas, United States
Other namesChidi Bang Bang
NationalityAmerican
Nigerian
Height1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight83 kg (183 lb; 13.1 st)
DivisionLight Heavyweight (Kickboxing)
Welterweight/Middleweight (MMA)
Reach79 in (201 cm)
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
Years active2007–present
Kickboxing record
Total14
Wins12
By knockout7
Losses1
Draws1
Mixed martial arts record
Total27
Wins19
By knockout11
By submission1
By decision7
Losses7
By knockout3
By submission3
By decision1
No contests1
Other information
Notable relativesAnthony Njokuani (brother)
last updated on: March 7, 2014

Background

Chidi Njokuani was born to Nigerian parents in Dallas, Texas on December 31, 1988. His name "Chidi" means "God exists" in Igbo.[2] 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.[3]

Career

Kickboxing & Muay Thai

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[4]) and Ken Tran (a second round knockout at Lion Fight: Battle in the Desert 4 in Las Vegas on November 19, 2011)[5]).

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.[6][7] 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.[8]

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.[9]

Njokuani fought Jeremy Kimball at RFA 7 and lost via submission.[10]

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. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

In his second fight for the promotion, Njokuani faced Thiago Jambo at Bellator 156 on June 17, 2016. He won that fight via knockout due to a combination of body kick and punches.

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.

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.

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.[11]

Njokuani next moved up to Middleweight to face Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189 on December 1, 2017.[12] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Njokuani was scheduled to face Melvin Manhoef on November 30, 2018 at Bellator 210.[13] However, Manhoef withdrew from the bout due to injury and was replaced by John Salter.[14] Njokuani lost the bout via submission in the first round.

Njokuani faced Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 224 in a 190 pound Catchweight bout on July 12, 2019.[15] He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Njokuani was subsequently released from the promotion.[16]

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.[17]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
27 matches 19 wins 7 losses
By knockout 11 3
By submission 1 3
By decision 7 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 19–7 (1) Cristhian Torres TKO (knee and punches) LFA 91: Njokuani vs. Torres 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 bout (190 lbs).
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.[18]
Win 17–4 (1) Melvin Guillard Decision (unanimous) Bellator 171 January 27, 2017 3 5:00 Mulvane, Kansas, United States Catchweight (179 lb) bout.
Win 16–4 (1) André Fialho KO (punches) Bellator 167 December 3, 2016 1 0:21 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Catchweight (175 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.[19]
Win 15–4 (1) Thiago Jambo 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) Tachi Palace Fights 23 May 7, 2015 5 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Won the Tachi Palace Fights Welterweight Championship.
Win 12–4 (1) Gilbert Smith Decision (unanimous) RFA 22: Smith vs. Njokuani January 9, 2015 5 5:00 Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States Non-title fight; Njokuani missed weight.
Win 11–4 (1) Steve Hanna Decision (unanimous) RFA 18: Manzanares vs. Pantoja September 12, 2014 3 5:00 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
NC 10–4 (1) Chris Heatherly No contest (elbow to spine) RFA 13: Cochrane vs. Escudero March 7, 2014 1 3:31 Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
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: Thatch vs. Rhodes March 22, 2013 2 1:51 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Catchweight (180 lb) bout.
Win 9–3 Phil Dace TKO (punches) RFA 4: Griffin vs. Escudero November 2, 2012 3 0:41 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–3 Bobby Cooper Decision (unanimous) RFA 3: Stevenson vs. Cochrane June 30, 2012 3 5:00 Kearney, Nebraska, United States
Win 7–3 John Reedy TKO (leg kick) TPF 13: Unfinished Business May 10, 2012 1 0:55 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 6–3 Jonathan Harris TKO (knee and punches) Legacy Fighting Championship 10 February 24, 2012 1 1:54 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 5–3 Brandon Thatch TKO (punches) ROF 41: Bragging Rights August 20, 2011 1 0:53 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Catchweight (173 lbs) bout; Njokuani missed weight.
Win 5–2 Alan Jouban TKO (body kick) TPF 9: The Contenders 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 (americana) Bangkok Fight Night 3 September 25, 2009 1 1:05 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 2–0 Andrew Moncriefe TKO (punches) Supreme Warrior Championship 1: Inception September 19, 2008 1 0:22 Frisco, Texas, United States
Win 1–0 George Cortez TKO (punches) Fight Time Productions: Global Showdown November 3, 2007 1 1:30 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States

[20]

Kickboxing record

Professional kickboxing record
12 wins (7 KOs), 1 loss, 1 draw
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTimeRecord
2013-09-28Draw Simon MarcusPush Kick Promotions: Muay Thai World Stand Off 5Las Vegas, Nevada, USADraw (majority)33:0012-1-1
2011-11-19Win Ken TranLion Fight: Battle in the Desert 4Las Vegas, Nevada, USAKO22:34
2011-07-30Win Edwin AguilarKickboxing Empire ILas Vegas, Nevada, USADecision (unanimous)53:0010-1
2009-04-25Loss Joe SchillingDominant Knockout 1Irving, Texas, USADecision (unanimous)53:00
Amateur kickboxing record
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTimeRecord
2008-00-00Loss Lyman GoodWorld Combat LeagueUnited StatesDecision (18-9)13:00
2008-05-03Loss Raymond DanielsWorld Combat LeagueUnited StatesDecision (18-6)13:00
Legend
  Win
  Loss
  Draw/No contest
  Notes

See also

References

  1. NSAC report of Elite Kickboxing
  2. "Chidi". Behind the Name. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  3. Fight Path: Chidi Njokuani balances MMA and muay Thai careers with brother's help
  4. Malaipet, Yarborough, and Njokuani kickboxing results
  5. Results and Recap: Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 4" Archived August 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  6. Push Kick Promotions set for 28 September in Las Vegas
  7. Simon Marcus vs. Chidi Njokuani set for 28 September at Push Kick's "Muay Thai World Stand Off Las Vegas"
  8. Push Kick Promotions "World Stand Off 5" Results and Recap: Marcus vs. Njokuani ends in controversial draw
  9. Patrick L. Stumberg (November 3, 2012). "RFA 4 results recap: Griffin outclasses Escudero, Njokuani blasts Dace". www.mmamania.com.
  10. Dallas Winston (March 23, 2013). "RFA 7 Gifs/Results: Thatch stops Rhodes, Kimball chokes Njokuani, Bektic remains unbeaten". www.bloodyelbow.com.
  11. Matt Erickson (August 25, 2017). "Bellator 182 results: Ex-champ Andrey Koreshkov pounds out Chidi Njokuani in first round". mmajunkie.com.
  12. "Chidi Njokuani Moves Up To Middleweight, Meets Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189 in Oklahoma".
  13. "Melvin Manhoef vs. Chidi Njokuani to headline Bellator 210". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
  14. "Melvin Manhoef Out, John Salter in Against Chidi Njokuani at Bellator 210". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-11-01.
  15. Guilherme Cruz (May 27, 2019). "Rafael Carvalho vs. Chidi Njokuani targeted for Bellator 224". mmafighting.com.
  16. Nolan King (August 16, 2019). "Chidi Njokuani, Hisaki Kato among nine fighters released by Bellator". mmajunkie.com.
  17. Brian Knapp (September 11, 2020). "Chidi Njokuani Shreds Cristhian Torres in Gory Legacy Fighting Alliance 91 Main Event". sherdog.com.
  18. Staff (August 24, 2017). "Bellator 182 weigh-in results: Chidi Njokuani heavy, but set for Andrey Koreshkov". mmajunkie.com.
  19. Brent Brookhouse (December 3, 2016). "Bellator 167 results: Darrion Caldwell gets revenge over Joe Taimanglo with decision win". www.mmajunkie.com.
  20. Sherdog.com. "Chidi". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
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