There’s an old Chinese saying, “Good things come in pairs,” and in the case of the Njokuani brothers, Anthony and Chidi, this certainly proves true.
The 22-year-old (4-1) fighter has a very similar style to his knockout artist brother Anthony Njokuani, with solid striking skills and a natural athleticism winning his last three fights by TKO.
Njokuani, who turned pro at 18, has an extensive background in MuayThai starting at the age of 14 in Dallas and he tells me he got into the sport quite by accident.
“One day I was at the gym and the Jiu Jitsu class was going on and they needed an extra partner, an extra body there, and my Muay Thai instructor walked in and he said if you’re doing that you’re gonna do MMA. “
Based in Vegas now, Chidi trains with well known BJJ coach Sergio Penha and when I spoke with him earlier this week Chidi didn’t even know who he was fighting as his previous opponent, Brazil’s Sydney Silva (8-3), was no longer on the fight card and he didn’t really care since he always trains hard and is ready to fight anyone who wants to get in the ring with him.
This weekend Chidi will take on Brazil’s Marco Martinez (1-2) who will be making his pro debut at Millennium Events MMA Xplosion’s International Team Challenge which takes place on Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The unique event showcases athletes from the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Kazakhstan. Each of four national teams will compete against one another.
Expect big things from this young fighter and look for him to come out strong against his opponent this weekend.
Finishing up, Chidi said, “I’m always training and working hard… I want to make a name for myself… I want to be the best!”
And judging from just my brief interview he granted me before his big fight we probably have not seen his “best” yet as there should be fists flying and lots of action in the cage this weekend
Great profile story on Chidi & looking forward to seeing him have
A Knock-out year in 2011!