Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos and Chidi Njokuani meet Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 254 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
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Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 254 preview
Dos Santos (25-8-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) will look to keep the positive momentum going after returning to the win column in his last outing. In November, dos Santos made quick work of Zach Scroggin, ending the fight in just 75 seconds. The 38-year-old Brazilian has finished five of his 16 UFC bouts. … Njokuani (24-10 MMA, 4-3 UFC) aims to make it three wins in a row. Last March, the 36-year-old stopped a three-fight skid by winning a split decision over Rhys McKee. Njokuani followed that up with a unanimous nod against Jared Gordon in October.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 254 expert pick, prediction
The co-main event in Las Vegas features a potential welterweight war between dos Santos and Njokuani.
Although it’s fun to imagine the possibilities between the muay Thai and capoeira that’s advertised at first glance, I suspect we’re in for a gritty and grimy affair.
Aside from the fact that Njoakuani prefers closed-quarter combat in the form of clinches and collar ties, dos Santos quietly carries a Brazilain jiu-jitsu black belt that he’s attempted to dust off in stylistic matchups such as this one.
As seen in his fights with Curtis Millender and Randy Brown, dos Santos – who is a potent pocket puncher – will happily look for takedowns and transition to the back is the opportunity becomes available. Add in the fact that we’re in the smaller octagon, and I believe that Njokauni will be inherently wired to give dos Santos the exact kind of fight he wants.
The pick is dos Santos by submission in Round 2.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 254 odds
The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Brazilian fighter, listing dos Santos -200 and Njokuani +160 via FanDuel.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 254 start time, how to watch
As the co-main event, dos Santos and Njokuani are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:10 p.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 254.
