Chidi Njokuani

{{Infobox martial artist

| name = Chidi Njokuani

| image =

| image_size =

| other_names = Chidi Bang Bang

| birth_name = Chidi Godson Njoku-Ani

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|12|31}}

| birth_place = Dallas, Texas, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| death_cause =

| residence =

| nationality =

| height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}

| weight_lb = 185

| weight_class = Light Heavyweight (Kickboxing)
Welterweight/Middleweight (MMA)

| reach = 80 in{{Cite web|title=Stats {{!}} UFC|url=http://www.ufcstats.com/fighter-details/c68c68efaa5ca6ef|access-date=2020-10-04|website=ufcstats.com}}

| style = Muay Thai

| rank = Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/chidi-njokuani|title=Chidi Njokuani {{!}} UFC|website=UFC.com|date=15 April 2021 |accessdate=September 18, 2022}}

| stance = Orthodox

| fighting_out_of = Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

| team = Janjira Muay Thai
One Kick's Gym
Sergio Penha BJJ

| years_active = 2007–present

| trainer = Saeksan Janjira
Nick "One Kick" Blomgren
Sergio Penha

| kickbox_win = 12

| kickbox_kowin = 7

| kickbox_loss = 1

| kickbox_koloss =

| kickbox_draw = 1

| kickbox_nc =

| mma_kowin = 15

| mma_subwin = 1

| mma_decwin = 9

| mma_koloss = 5

| mma_subloss = 4

| mma_decloss = 2

| mma_draw =

| mma_nc = 1

| sherdog = 25761

| footnotes =

| relatives = Anthony Njokuani (brother)

| updated =

}}

Chidi Godson Njokuani{{Cite web |title=Chidi Njokuani ("Bang Bang") {{!}} MMA Fighter Page |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/chidi-njokuani |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Tapology |language=en}} (born December 31, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist, former Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer, who currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2007, he also formerly competed for Bellator MMA, RFA, Tachi Palace Fights, and Legacy FC.

Background

Chidi Njokuani was born to Nigerian parents in Dallas, Texas on December 31, 1988.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Alexander K. |date=2017-08-25 |title=Njokuani's winning ways began when he decided to stop wasting his talents |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/8/25/16183978/winning-ways-for-chidi-njokuani-began-when-he-decided-to-stop-wasting-his-talents |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} His name "Chidi" means "God exists" in Igbo.{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Mike |title=Meaning, origin and history of the name Chidi |url=https://www.behindthename.com/name/chidi |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Behind the Name |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2011-11-17 |title=Fight Path: Chidi Njokuani balances MMA and muay Thai careers with brother's help |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2011/11/fight-path-chidi-njokuani-balances-mma-and-muay-thai-careers-with-brothers-help |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Kickboxing & Muay Thai career

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){{Cite web |date=2012-08-29 |title=Muay Thai Authority: Malaipet, Yarborough, and Njokuani kickboxing results |url=http://muaythaiauthority.com/2011/07/malaipet-yarborough-and-njokuani.html |access-date=2022-05-18 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829160203/http://muaythaiauthority.com/2011/07/malaipet-yarborough-and-njokuani.html |archive-date=29 August 2012 |url-status=dead}} and Ken Tran (a second round knockout at Lion Fight: Battle in the Desert 4 in Las Vegas on November 19, 2011).{{Cite web |date=2011-11-24 |title=Muay Thai Authority: Results and Recap: Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 4" |url=http://www.muaythaiauthority.com/2011/11/results-and-recap-lion-fight-promotions.html |access-date=2022-05-18 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124025344/http://www.muaythaiauthority.com/2011/11/results-and-recap-lion-fight-promotions.html |archive-date=24 November 2011 |url-status=dead}}

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.{{Cite web |date=2013-12-17 |title=Push Kick Promotions set for September 28th in Las Vegas ~ Muay Thai Authority |url=http://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/07/push-kick-promotions-set-for-september.html |access-date=2022-05-18 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217034034/http://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/07/push-kick-promotions-set-for-september.html |archive-date=17 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |date=2013-12-17 |title=Simon Marcus vs. Chidi Njokuani set for September 28th at Push Kick's "Muay Thai World Stand Off Las Vegas" ~ Muay Thai Authority |url=http://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/07/simon-marcus-vs-chidi-njokuani-set-for.html |access-date=2022-05-18 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217033757/http://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/07/simon-marcus-vs-chidi-njokuani-set-for.html |archive-date=17 December 2013 |url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2013-10-04 |title=Push Kick Promotions "World Stand Off 5" Results and Recap: Marcus vs. Njokuani ends in controversial draw ~ Muay Thai Authority |url=https://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/09/push-kick-promotions-world-stand-off-5.html |access-date=2022-05-18 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004154528/https://muaythaiauthority.com/2013/09/push-kick-promotions-world-stand-off-5.html |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}

Mixed martial arts career

= 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.{{Cite web |last=Stumberg |first=Patrick L. |date=2012-11-03 |title=RFA 4 Recap: Griffin, Njokuani Roll In Las Vegas |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2012/11/3/3594002/rfa-4-results-recap-griffin-escudero-njokuani-dace-las-vegas-mma |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}}

Njokuani fought Jeremy Kimball at RFA 7 and lost via submission.{{Cite web |last=Winston |first=Dallas |date=2013-03-23 |title=RFA 7 Complete Results with Animated Gifs |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/3/23/4138826/rfa-7-gifs-results-thatch-rhodes-kimball-njokuani-bektic |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Bloody Elbow |language=en}}

= 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.{{Cite web |last=stevejuon |date=2015-10-08 |title=Bellator 146 Gets Some 'Bang Bang' |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2015/10/8/9464519/bellator-146-fight-card-chidi-bang-bang-njokuani-ricky-rainey |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=bjpenndotcom |date=2015-11-21 |title=Bellator 146 results: Chidi Njokuani wins via decision |url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/bellator/bellator-146-results-chidi-njokuani-wins-via-decision/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website={{!}} BJPenn.com |language=en-US}}

In his second fight for the promotion, Njokuani was scheduled to face Douglas Lima, however Lima pulled out of the bout and was replaced b Thiago Jambo at Bellator 156 on June 17, 2016.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2016-06-10 |title=Njokuani vs. Goncalves set for Bellator 156 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/6/10/11901966/chidi-njokuani-now-meets-thiago-goncalves-in-bellator-156-co-headliner |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He won that fight via knockout due to a combination of body kick and punches.{{Cite web |last=Mazique |first=Brian |title=Bellator 156 Results: Winners, Scorecards from Galvao vs. Dantas Card |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2647004-bellator-156-results-winners-scorecards-from-galvao-vs-dantas-card |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Mercado |first=Eddie |date=2016-12-03 |title=Bellator 167 results and videos: Caldwell beats Taimanglo in rematch |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/12/3/13830242/bellator-167-results-full-fight-video-highlights-darrion-caldwell-vs-joe-taimanglo-2 |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=Bloody Elbow |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Segura |first=Danny |date=2017-01-28 |title=Bellator 171 results: Chidi Njokuani dominates Melvin Guillard in unanimous decision |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/1/28/14422352/bellator-171-results-chidi-njokuani-dominates-melvin-guillard-in-unanimous-decision |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-26 |title=Bellator 182 results: Ex-champ Andrey Koreshkov pounds out Chidi Njokuani in first round |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2017/08/bellator-182-live-video-stream-results-koreshkov-njokuani |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Njokuani next moved up to Middleweight to face Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189 on December 1, 2017.{{Cite web |last=Sherdog.com |title=Chidi Njokuani Moves Up To Middleweight, Meets Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189 in Oklahoma |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Chidi-Njokuani-Moves-Up-To-Middleweight-Meets-Hisaki-Kato-at-Bellator-189-in-Oklahoma-127541 |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Sherdog |language=en}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2017-12-01 |title=Bellator 189 Results: Chidi Njokuani Dominates Hisaki Kato |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2017/12/01/bellator-189-results-hisaki-kato-chidi-njokuani/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Njokuani was scheduled to face Melvin Manhoef on November 30, 2018 at Bellator 210.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Alexander K. |date=2018-09-19 |title=Melvin Manhoef vs. Chidi Njokuani to headline Bellator 210 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/9/19/17879336/melvin-manhoef-vs-chidi-njokuani-to-headline-bellator-210 |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} However, Manhoef withdrew from the bout due to injury and was replaced by John Salter.{{Cite web |last=Sherdog.com |title=Melvin Manhoef Out, John Salter in Against Chidi Njokuani at Bellator 210 |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Melvin-Manhoef-Out-John-Salter-in-Against-Chidi-Njokuani-at-Bellator-210-144751 |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Sherdog |language=en}} Njokuani lost the bout via submission in the first round.{{Cite web |date=2018-12-01 |title=Bellator 210 results: John Salter submits Chidi Njokuani on short notice, sets record |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/11/bellator-210-results-john-salter-submits-chidi-njokuani-on-short-notice-sets-record |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Njokuani faced Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 224 in a 190-pound Catchweight bout on July 12, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2019-05-27 |title=Rafael Carvalho vs. Chidi Njokuani targeted for Bellator 224 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/5/27/18641808/rafael-carvalho-vs-chidi-njokuani-targeted-for-bellator-224 |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web |date=2019-07-13 |title=Bellator 224 results: Takedowns pace Rafael Carvalho win over Chidi Njokuani |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/07/bellator-224-results-rafael-carvalho-takedowns-win-over-chidi-njokuani |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} Njokuani was subsequently released from the promotion.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-16 |title=Chidi Njokuani, Hisaki Kato among nine fighters released by Bellator |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/08/chidi-njokuani-hisaki-kato-among-nine-fighters-released-by-bellator |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

=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.{{Cite web |last=Sherdog.com |title=Chidi Njokuani Shreds Cristhian Torres in Gory Legacy Fighting Alliance 91 Main Event |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Chidi-Njokuani-Shreds-Cristhian-Torres-in-Gory-Legacy-Fighting-Alliance-91-Main-Event-175087 |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Sherdog |language=en}}

Njokuani faced Mario Sousa on September 7, 2021 at Dana White's Contender Series 38. He won the bout in the third round via ground and pound elbows. In the process, he also secured a UFC contract.{{Cite web |date=2021-09-08 |title=Dana White's Contender Series 38 results: 5 more fighters score UFC deals |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/dana-whites-contender-series-38-live-results-8-p-m-et |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

=Ultimate Fighting Championship=

In his UFC debut, Njokuani faced Marc-André Barriault on February 5, 2022 at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland.{{Cite web|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|date=2021-10-03|title=Marc-André Barriault treft UFC debutant Chidi Njokuani tijdens UFC evenement op 5 februari|url=https://mmadna.nl/marc-andre-barriault-treft-ufc-debutant-chidi-njokuani-tijdens-ufc-evenement-op-5-februari/|access-date=2023-07-24|website=MMA DNA|language=nl}} He won the fight via knockout in round one.{{Cite web|last=Bitter|first=Shawn|date=2022-02-05|title=UFC Vegas 47: Lightning-Quick Finish Has Chidi Njokuani Stop Marc-André Barriault In Seconds|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/02/05/ufc-vegas-47-chidi-njokuani-vs-marc-andre-barriault/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|date=2022-02-06|title=UFC Fight Night 200 bonuses: Julian Erosa pockets $100k for Fight of the Night|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-200-bonuses-julian-erosa-pockets-100k-for-fight-of-the-night|first=Matthew|last=Wells|access-date=2022-02-06|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}

Njokuani next faced Duško Todorović on May 21, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 206.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-17 |title=UFC {{!}} Njokuani wil imposant debuut goed vervolg geven tegen Todorovic |url=https://www.eurosport.nl/mixed-martial-arts/ufc/2022/ufc-njokuani-wil-imposant-debuut-goed-vervolg-geven-tegen-todorovic_sto8848947/story.shtml |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Eurosport |language=nl}} He won the fight via knockout due to an elbow at the end of the first round.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eddie |date=2022-05-21 |title=UFC Vegas 55 Results: Chidi Njokuani Lands Massive Elbow, KOs Todorovic |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/05/21/ufc-vegas-55-results-chidi-njokuani-vs-dusko-todorovic/ |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} This win earned him a second consecutive Performance of the Night award.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/5/21/23135882/ufc-vegas-55-official-bonus-winners-results-espn-mma-holm-vieira-hooper-njokuani|title=UFC Vegas 55 bonuses: Chase Hooper leads $50K winners for return TKO|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2022-05-21|access-date=2022-05-21}}

Njokuani faced Gregory Rodrigues on September 17, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 210.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2022-06-25 |title=Gregory Rodrigues vs. Chidi Njokuani set for Sept. 17 UFC event |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/6/25/23182979/gregory-rodrigues-chidi-njokuani-september-17-ufc-event-mma |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eddie |date=2022-09-17 |title=UFC Vegas 60: Gregory Rodrigues Survives Getting Hurt Early, Nasty Cut, Wins Via R2 TKO |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/09/17/ufc-vegas-60-gregory-rodrigues-survives-getting-hurt-early-nasty-cut-wins-via-r2-tko/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-210-bonuses-gregory-rodrigues-robocop-joe-pyfer-damon-jackson|title=UFC Fight Night 210 bonuses: Gregory Rodrigues lived up to his nickname for extra $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2022-09-17|access-date=2022-09-18}}

Njokuani faced Albert Duraev on March 25, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 43.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Chidi-Njokuani-Albert-Duraev-to-Clash-at-UFC-on-ESPN-43-on-March-25-188717|title=Chidi Njokuani, Albert Duraev to Clash at UFC on ESPN 43 on March 25|website=Sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2022-12-17|access-date=2022-12-17}} He lost the fight via split decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/03/25/ufc-san-antonio-albert-duraev-wins-close-split-decision-over-chidi-njokuani/|title=UFC San Antonio: Albert Duraev wins close split decision over Chidi Njokuani|website=Cageside Press|author=Val Dewar|date=2023-03-25|access-date=2023-03-25}}

Njokuani faced Michał Oleksiejczuk at UFC Fight Night 225 on August 26, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/06/28/erin-blanchfield-vs-taila-santos-booked-ufc-singapore/|title=Erin Blanchfield vs. Taila Santos Booked for UFC Singapore|author=Jay Anderson|date=June 28, 2023|publisher=cagesidepress.com}} He lost the bout via first round ground and pound TKO stoppage at the end of the first round.{{Cite web |last=Theodosi |first=Jamie |date=2023-08-26 |title=UFC Singapore: Michal Oleksiejczuk Comes From Behind To Finish Chidi Njokuani In Round One |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/08/26/ufc-singapore-michal-oleksiejczuk-comes-from-behind-to-finish-chidi-njokuani-in-round-one/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Njokuani faced Rhys McKee on March 30, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 54.{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=ITN News |date=2024-01-11 |title=Chidi Njokuani vs Rhys McKee Announced for UFC Atlantic City |url=https://www.itnwwe.com/mma/chidi-njokuani-vs-rhys-mckee-announced-for-ufc-atlantic-city/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=www.itnwwe.com |language=en-US}} He won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2024-03-31 |title=UFC Atlantic City: Chidi Njokuani Outstrikes Rhys McKee, Wins Decision |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/03/30/ufc-atlantic-city-chidi-njokuani-outstrikes-rhys-mckee/ |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Njokuani faced Jared Gooden on October 12, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 244.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/7/19/24201024/morning-report-conor-mcgregor-says-michael-chandler-fight-is-rescheduled-for-end-of-calendar-year|title=Morning Report: Conor McGregor says Michael Chandler fight 'is rescheduled for the end of this calendar year' - Fight Announcements|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Drake Riggs|date=2024-07-19|access-date=2024-07-19}} At the weigh-ins, Gooden weighed in at 172.5 pounds, one and a half pounds over the welterweight non-title fight limit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/10/11/24267919/ufc-vegas-98-weigh-in-results-3-fighters-over-the-limit|title=UFC Vegas 98 weigh-in results: 3 fighters over the limit|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2024-10-11|access-date=2024-10-11}} The bout proceeded at catchweight and Gooden was fined 20 percent of his purse which went to Njokuani. He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/10/12/ufc-vegas-98-chidi-njokuani-too-much-for-jared-gooden/|title=UFC Vegas 98: Chidi Njokuani Too Much for Jared Gooden|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-10-12|access-date=2024-10-12}}

Njokuani was reportedly scheduled to compete on February 22, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 252.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2025/01/06/ufc-announces-huge-main-and-co-main-events-with-2-former-champions/|title=UFC Announces Huge Main And Co-Main Events With 2 Former Champions|publisher=forbes.com|author=forbes.com|date=2025-01-07|access-date=2025-01-07}} However, instead, he faced Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on March 15, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 254.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2025-02-05 |title=UFC adds Elizeu Zaleski vs. Chidi Njokuani to March 15 event |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/2/5/24359681/ufc-adds-elizeu-zaleski-chidi-njokuani-march-15-event |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} At the weigh-ins, Njokuani weighed in at 172.5 pounds, one and a quarter pounds over the welterweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Njokuani was fined 20 percent of his purse which went to Zaleski dos Santos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/3/14/24385812/ufc-vegas-104-weigh-in-results-3-fighters-miss-weight-including-1-by-4-5-pounds|title=UFC Vegas 104 weigh-in results: 2 fighters miss weight, including 1 by 4.5 pounds|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2025-03-14|access-date=2025-03-14}} Njokuani won the fight by technical knockout via a knee and elbows in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/03/15/ufc-vegas-104-chidi-njokuani-smashes-elizeu-zaleski-dos-santos/|title=UFC Vegas 104: Chidi Njokuani Smashes Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Brett Cagle|date=2025-03-15|access-date=2025-03-15}}

Njokuani faced Jake Matthews at UFC on ESPN 70 in Nashville, Tennessee on July 12, 2025.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/05/27/jake-matthews-vs-chidi-njokuani-among-ufc-nashville-additions/|title=Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani Among UFC Nashville Additions|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2025-05-27|access-date=2025-05-27}} He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/07/12/ufc-nashville-jake-matthews-lands-quick-sub-of-chidi-njokuani/title=UFC Nashville: Jake Matthews Lands Quick Sub of Chidi Njokuani|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Brett Cagle|date=2025-07-12|access-date=2025-07-12}}

Championships and accomplishments

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Performance of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. Marc-André Barriault and Duško Todorović}}
Fight of the Night (One time) {{small| vs. Gregory Rodrigues}}{{Cite web|author=Staff|language=en-US|date=2021-10-24|title=UFC Fight Night 196 bonuses: Marvin Vettori gets extra $50,000 – but none for Paulo Costa|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-196-bonuses-50000-marvin-vettori-paulo-costa-alex-caceres|access-date=2021-10-24|website=MMA Junkie}}
UFC.com Awards
2022: Ranked #6 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/newcomers-2022-ufc-com-awards|title=The Newcomers - 2022 UFC.com Awards|date=December 20, 2022|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
Tachi Palace Fights
Tachi PF Welterweight Championship (One time; former)

Mixed martial arts record

{{MMArecordbox

|draws=

|nc=1

|ko-wins=15

|sub-wins=1

|dec-wins=9

|ko-losses=5

|sub-losses=4

|dec-losses=2

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

|other-wins=

|other-losses=

}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–11 (1)

|Jake Matthews

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Teixeira

|{{dts|2025|July|12}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:09

|Nashville, Tennessee, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|25–10 (1)

|Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

|TKO (knee and elbows)

|UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2

|{{dts|2025|March|15}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:19

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (172.25 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|24–10 (1)

|Jared Gooden

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira

|{{dts|2024|October|12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (172.5 lb) bout; Gooden missed weight.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|23–10 (1)

|Rhys McKee

|Decision (split)

|UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot

|{{dts|2024|March|30}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Return to Welterweight.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|{{nowrap|22–10 (1)}}

|Michał Oleksiejczuk

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. The Korean Zombie

|{{dts|2023|August|26}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:16

|Kallang, Singapore

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|22–9 (1)

|Albert Duraev

|Decision (split)

|UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Sandhagen

|{{dts|2023|March|25}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|San Antonio, Texas, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|22–8 (1)

|Gregory Rodrigues

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song

|{{dts|2022|September|17}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:27

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|22–7 (1)

|Duško Todorović

|KO (elbow)

|UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Vieira

|{{dts|2022|May|21}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:48

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|21–7 (1)

|Marc-André Barriault

|KO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland

|{{dts|2022|February|05}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:16

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|20–7 (1)

|Mário Felipe de Sousa

|TKO (elbows)

|Dana White's Contender Series 38

|{{dts|2021|September|07}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|1:35

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|19–7 (1)

|Cristhian Torres

|TKO (knee to the body and punches)

|LFA 91

|{{dts|2020|September|11}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:10

|Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|18–7 (1)

|Rafael Carvalho

|Decision (unanimous)

|Bellator 224

|{{dts|2019|July|12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (190 lb) bout.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|18–6 (1)

|John Salter

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Bellator 210

|{{dts|2018|November|30}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:32

|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–5 (1)

|Hisaki Kato

|Decision (unanimous)

|Bellator 189

|{{dts|2017|December|1}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States

|{{small|Return to Middleweight.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–5 (1)

|Andrey Koreshkov

|TKO (punches and elbows)

|Bellator 182

|{{dts|2017|August|25}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:08

|Verona, New York, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (175 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–4 (1)

|Melvin Guillard

|Decision (unanimous)

|Bellator 171

|{{dts|2017|January|27}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Mulvane, Kansas, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (180 lb) bout.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–4 (1)

|André Fialho

|TKO (punches)

|Bellator 167

|{{dts|2016|December|3}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:21

|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (174.8 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–4 (1)

|Thiago Gonçalves

|KO (body kick and punches)

|Bellator 156

|{{dts|2016|June|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|2:39

|Fresno, California, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–4 (1)

|Ricky Rainey

|Decision (unanimous)

|Bellator 146

|{{dts|2015|November|20}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–4 (1)

|Max Griffin

|Decision (split)

|Tachi Palace Fights 23

|{{dts|2015|May|07}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Lemoore, California, United States

|{{small|Won the TPF Welterweight Championship.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–4 (1)

|Gilbert Smith

|Decision (unanimous)

|RFA 22

|{{dts|2015.01.09}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

|{{small|For the vacant RFA Welterweight Championship. Njokuani missed weight (174.6 lb) and was ineligible for the title.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–4 (1)

|Steve Hanna

|Decision (unanimous)

|RFA 18

|{{dts|2014.09.12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (173.4 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.}}

|{{nocontest}}NC

|align=center|10–4 (1)

|Chris Heatherly

|NC (elbow to spine)

|RFA 13

|{{dts|2014|March|07}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:31

|Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (172 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight. Accidental elbow to spine rendered Heatherly unable to continue.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|10–4

|LeVon Maynard

|TKO (punches)

|ShinZo Fight Sport 1

|{{dts|2013.08.16}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:40

|Guatemala City, Guatemala

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|9–4

|Jeremy Kimball

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|RFA 7

|{{dts|2013|March|22}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:51

|Denver, Colorado, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (180 lb) bout.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–3

|Phil Dace

|TKO (punches)

|RFA 4

|{{dts|2012.11.02}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|0:41

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|8–3

|Bobby Cooper

|Decision (unanimous)

|RFA 3

|{{dts|2012.06.30}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Kearney, Nebraska, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–3

|John Reedy

|TKO (leg kick)

|Tachi Palace Fights 13

|{{dts|2012|May|10}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:55

|Lemoore, California, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (173.6 lb) bout; Njokuani missed weight.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|6–3

|Jon Harris

|TKO (knee and punches)

|Legacy FC 10

|{{dts|2012.02.24}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:54

|Houston, Texas, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|5–3

|Brandon Thatch

|TKO (punches)

|Ring of Fire 41

|{{dts|2011|August|20}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:53

|Broomfield, Colorado, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (173 lb) bout.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|5–2

|Alan Jouban

|TKO (body kick)

|Tachi Palace Fights 9

|{{dts|2011|05|06}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|1:27

|Lemoore, California, United States

|{{small|Welterweight debut.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|4–2

|Jack Montgomery

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|KOTC: Infusion

|{{dts|2010|November|13}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:35

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–2

|Chris Kennedy

|KO (punches)

|MMA Xplosion: Vianna vs. Lacy

|{{dts|2010.07.31}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:52

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|2–2

|Jorge Lopez

|TKO (punches)

|MMA Xplosion: Next Generation Fighter

|{{dts|2010.05.22}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:15

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|2–1

|Warren Thompson

|Submission (keylock)

|Bangkok Fight Night 3

|{{dts|2009.09.24}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:05

|Atlanta, Georgia, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Andrew Moncriefe

|TKO (punches)

|Supreme Warrior Championship 1

|{{dts|2008.09.19}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:22

|Frisco, Texas, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Jorge Cortez

|TKO (punches)

|Fight Time Productions: Global Showdown

|{{dts|2007.11.03}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:30

|Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States

|{{small|Middleweight debut.}}

{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Chidi Njokuani|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chidi-Njokuani-25761|website=Sherdog}}

Kickboxing record (incomplete)

{{Kickboxing record start|title=Professional kickboxing record|record=0 wins , 2 loss, 1 draw}}

|- bgcolor="#c5d2ea"

|2013-9-28 || Draw ||align=left|{{flagicon|CAN}} Simon Marcus || Push Kick Promotions: Muay Thai World Stand Off 5 || Las Vegas, Nevada, US || Decision (majority) || 3 || 3:00 || 0–2–1

|- bgcolor="#FFBBBB"

| 2009-4-25 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Joe Schilling || Dominant Knockout 1 || Irving, Texas, US|| Decision (unanimous) || 5 || 3:00 || 0-2

|- bgcolor="#FFBBBB"

| 2008-5-3 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Raymond Daniels || World Combat League || Oklahoma, USA || Decision (18-6) || 1 || 3:00 || 0-1