Chidi Njokuani (“Chidi Bang Bang”)
* Age: 35
* Height: 6’3" / 190.5 cm
* Weight: 170 lbs / 77.11 kg
* Association: One Kick’s Gym / Sergio Penha BJJ
* Record: 23-10-0 (1 NC)
Style and Strengths: Chidi Njokuani is a dynamic and dangerous striker with an impressive 61% of his wins coming by KO/TKO (14 KOs). His Muay Thai striking is his main weapon, complemented by solid takedown defense and a long reach that allows him to keep opponents at a distance. Despite his stand-up strengths, Njokuani has struggled in recent fights, dropping three of his last four bouts.
Njokuani - Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Rhys McKee – UFC on ESPN 54 (Mar 30, 2024)
* Loss vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk – UFC Fight Night 225 (Aug 26, 2023)
* Loss vs. Albert Duraev – UFC on ESPN 43 (Mar 25, 2023)
* Loss vs. Gregory Rodrigues – UFC Fight Night 210 (Sep 17, 2022)
* Win vs. Dusko Todorovic – UFC Fight Night 206 (May 21, 2022)
Jared Gooden (“Nite Train”)
* Age: 30
* Height: 6’4" / 193.04 cm
* Weight: 173 lbs / 78.47 kg
* Association: X3 Sports
* Record: 23-9-0
Style and Strengths: Jared Gooden is known for his knockout power, with 48% of his wins coming by KO/TKO (11 KOs). He is a well-rounded fighter, with a significant submission game (7 submissions) to complement his striking. Gooden has had ups and downs in his career but recently secured an impressive submission victory over Wellington Turman, proving his ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground.
Gooden - Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Wellington Turman – UFC on ESPN 52 (Dec 2, 2023)
* Loss vs. Carlston Harris – UFC Fight Night 221 (Mar 11, 2023)
* Win vs. Demarques Jackson – United Fight League 1 (Feb 18, 2023)
* Win vs. Douglas Usher – NFC 150 (Oct 15, 2022)
* Loss vs. Impa Kasanganay – XMMA 5 (Jul 23, 2022)
Fight Breakdown
This fight will likely be a striking affair, as both Njokuani and Gooden favor standing exchanges. Njokuani will look to utilize his reach and Muay Thai to keep Gooden at bay, while Gooden will try to close the distance and land his power shots. Njokuani’s experience and technical striking make him dangerous at range, but Gooden’s durability and knockout power could turn the tide if he manages to press forward.
Prediction
While Njokuani has the technical edge, Gooden’s aggression and ability to mix in grappling may give him the advantage. If Gooden can avoid Njokuani’s long-range strikes and bring the fight into close quarters, his power could be the difference.
Prediction: Jared Gooden by TKO (Round 3).
