Chidi Njokuani and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos are set to face off in a catchweight (172.25 lb) bout at UFC Vegas 104. Both fighters bring a wealth of experience and knockout power, making this a highly anticipated clash of striking specialists.

Chidi Njokuani (24-10-1 NC)
Njokuani is a dangerous Muay Thai striker with a long, rangy frame. He has secured 14 of his 24 career victories via knockout, showcasing explosive power and pinpoint accuracy in his stand-up game. However, his struggles against pressure fighters and grapplers have led to recent setbacks, including a three-fight skid in 2022-2023. Since moving back to welterweight, he has found more success, winning his last two fights by decision against Jared Gooden and Rhys McKee.

One concern for Njokuani is his repeated issues with making weight, as he missed the mark again for this fight, forfeiting 20% of his purse. Additionally, his takedown defense and ability to deal with high-volume opponents have been questioned in previous bouts.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25-8-1)
A former Jungle Fight welterweight champion, Zaleski dos Santos is known for his unorthodox striking, spinning attacks, and aggressive fighting style. He has finished 15 opponents via knockout and holds notable wins over Sean Strickland, Benoît Saint Denis, and Curtis Millender. Despite being 37 years old, Zaleski remains a dangerous and durable fighter.

His last fight saw him earn a first-round TKO over Zach Scroggin, though it came after a unanimous decision loss to Randy Brown. He also fought Rinat Fakhretdinov to a majority draw, demonstrating his resilience against high-level competition. Zaleski’s biggest strengths are his dynamic striking, forward pressure, and ability to mix in grappling when needed.

Fight Prediction

This matchup is a battle between two talented strikers, but Zaleski dos Santos appears to have the more well-rounded game. Njokuani’s best chance at victory is to maintain range, use his technical striking, and avoid prolonged exchanges. However, if Zaleski can close the distance and turn this into a high-paced fight, Njokuani may struggle to keep up.

Zaleski has also shown better durability and cardio in grueling fights, which could be key if the bout goes into the later rounds. Njokuani’s past struggles against pressure fighters and his weight-cutting issues could make him vulnerable if he can't establish his rhythm early.

Prediction: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via TKO (Round 2)