[autotag]Jared Gooden[/autotag] and [autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 244 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
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Jared Gooden vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 244 preview
Gooden (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) continues his second stint in the UFC with his first fight of 2024, and hopes to keep on the winning track. In December, Gooden submitted Wellington Turman to pick up his first victory since retuning to the promotion in March 2023. … Njokuani (23-10 MMA, 3-3 UFC) enters his second fight of the year, following a split decision victory over Rhys McKee in March. The close result provided Njokuani relief as it snapped a three-fight skid.
Jared Gooden vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 244 expert pick, prediction
Serving as a solid offering at 170 pounds is an action fight between Njokuani and Gooden.
Win or lose, both men tend to find themselves in high-action affairs (whenever they’re not paired with strong wrestlers, that is).
Even though I believe Njokuani is the more skilled fighter of the two, I have a hard time relying on the 35-year-old to sustain his offense or overall pacing at this point in his career.
Gooden may have a propensity to get hurt early on in contests, but he’s proven that he can come back and win if his opponent isn’t able to finish the job.
Add in the fact that Njokuani is once again subjecting his body to another hellacious welterweight cut, and I’ll semi-reluctantly side with Gooden to survive an early storm in order to find a finish in Round 2.
Jared Gooden vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 244 odds
The oddsmakers and the public favor the more experienced fighter, listing Gooden +148 and Njokuani -184 via FanDuel.
Jared Gooden vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 244 start time, how to watch
Gooden and Njokuani are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 8:35 p.m. ET (5:35 p.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.