LAS VEGAS – Chidi Njokuani wants to take a big step in his fighting career, and he believes he’s got the perfect platform to do so.
Njokuani (24-10 MMA, 4-3 UFC) returns this Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 255 (ESPN+), which takes place at the UFC Apex. He takes on fellow welterweight veteran Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.
“It’s been a long 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 always deserved this, so I’m thankful for this. I do want to make a statement, and I do want to move up. It starts with the co-main, then the main, and then 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 in the past,” Njokuani said. “It is a fight, so anything can happen, but I do want to keep him at the end of all my punches and kicks, and see how he does with that.”
This bout on Saturday marks Njokuani’s 36th professional fight. He’s been fighting for almost 20 years, having made his debut in 2007. He says the key to fighting at a high level for a long time is motivation – which he makes sure to protect at all time.
“I think that’s what it is – goals,” Njokuani explained. “I have to attach goals to something. When I’m in 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 just fighting just to fight. I want to be the best. I actually want something out of this.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Fight Night 254’s Chidi Njokuani out to make statement vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
