Tag: Chidi Njokuani

UFC Vegas 104 winner Chidi Njokuani sees ‘a real future’ at welterweight, wants ranked opponent next

Chidi Njokuani feels he’s found his groove now fighting at welterweight following his TKO win at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 254.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag] is excited about his future now fighting at 170 pounds.

Since making his return to the welterweight division a year ago, the 36-year-old has picked up three consecutive wins. Saturday in the UFC Fight Night 254 co-main event, Njokuani (25-10 MMA, 5-3 UFC) viciously stopped Brazil’s Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25-9-1 MMA, 11-5-1 UFC) in the second round. He missed weight for the bout, coming in 1.25 pounds over the allowed limit.

But the win, along with the streak, have Njokuani thinking he can do great things in the remainder of his fighting career.

“It feels great,” Njokuani told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 254 post-fight press conference. “It actually feels like there’s a real future in this weight class.

“At 185, I felt good, but there were times when people felt so big, and it’s like, ‘Damn, how long is this going to last?’ At 170, I feel like I’m where I belong. I’m just as strong or stronger than these guys, and I’m just as fast or faster than these guys. It’s all coming together now. This run is making a difference with my confidence and how I do things.”

Njokuani thinks it’s time he gets a step-up in the division. He has no once in mind specifically, but he’d like for his next fight to be against a ranked opponent.

“(I want the) top 15,” Njokuani said. “I don’t really know any names, so anybody ranked in the top 15, I’m down to fight them.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 254.

 

UFC Fight Night 254 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Marvin Vettori among highest earners

The UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program has now paid nearly $33 million to athletes since its deal began with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 254 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $173,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC Fight Night 254 took place at the UFC Apex. The entire card streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC Fight Night 254 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Roman Dolidze[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Marvin Vettori[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Alexander Hernandez[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Kurt Holobaugh[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Da’Mon Blackshear[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Cody Gibson[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Brendson Ribeiro[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Diyar Nurgozhay[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Kevin Vallejos[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]SeungWoo Choi[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Waldo Cortes-Acosta[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Ryan Spann[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]SuYoung You[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]AJ Cunningham[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Carlos Vera[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Josias Musasa[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Sam Hughes[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Stephanie Luciano[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Andre Lima[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Daniel Barez[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Priscila Cachoeira[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Josiane Nunes[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Carli Judice[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Yuneisy Duben[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2541 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2025 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $1,745,500
2024 total: $8,280,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $32,763,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 254.

UFC Fight Night 254 live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC Fight Night 254 in Las Vegas.

UFC Fight Night 254 took place Saturday, MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round coverage and official results beginning throughout the event. UFC Fight Night 254 (ESPN+) took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Former middleweight title challenger Marvin Vettori (19-8-1 MMA, 9-6-1 UFC) took on Roman Dolidze (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) in a main event rematch. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25-9-1 MMA, 11-5-1 UFC) and Chidi Njokuani (25-10 MMA, 5-3 UFC) fought in the welterweight co-feature.

Check out our round-by-round updates and official results below.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC Fight Night 254 lineup

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)

  • Roman Dolidze def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
  • Chidi Njokuani def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via TKO (knee and punches) – Round 2, 2:19
  • Alexander Hernandez def. Kurt Holobaugh via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Da’Mon Blackshear def. Cody Gibson via submission (kimhra) – Round 2, 4:09
  • Brendson Ribeiro def. Diyar Nurgozhay via submission (kimura) – Round 2, 1:28
  • Kevin Vallejos def. SeungWoo Choi via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:09

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)

  • Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Ryan Spann via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:48
  • SuYoung You def. AJ Cunningham via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Carlos Vera def. Josias Musasa via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:16
  • Sam Hughes def. Stephanie Luciano via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-27)
  • Andre Lima def. Daniel Barez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:05
  • Priscila Cachoeira def. Josiane Nunes via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:46
  • Carli Judice def. Yuneisy Duben via TKO (head kick) – Round 1, 1:40

Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze

Round 1 – Dolidze takes the center and comes forward with big offerings early, although none of the punches landed. Vettori fires back, but was just out of range. As kicks are added to the mix, the exchanges heat up. An accidental clash of heads pauses the fight momentarily. On the restart, Dolidze gets back to leading the offense, landing a nice left hand. Vettori kicks to the body. Both dart in with punching combinations as they take turns striking. Dolidze checks a couple of kicks and then attempts a spinning elbow. One minute to go. Vettori lands a nice counter right as Dolidze charges ahead.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Vettori.

Round 2 – Dolidze goes inside with a leg kick and Vettori responds with an outside leg kick. Vettori is on the forward charge with punches, but gets poked in the eye. Between rounds, referee Herb Dean warned Dolidze about the eye pokes, but when it happens a few moments later, he gives another warning. No point is taken. The fight continues, and they get back to trading punches. The exchanges remain fairly even as they strike in the center of the cage. Vettori lands nicely in a combination. Dolidze answers with a punch. They keep going at it right to the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Dolidze.

Round 3 – Picking up right where they left off, the striking exchanges remain frequent early in the round. Vettori rocks Dolidze! He’s stumbling around, trying to keep his footing while avoiding Vettori. Dolize is able to gather himself and they reset to the center. Vettori’s output slows as Dolidze appears fully recovered from the early scare. Checking kicks and landing his own offense, Dolidze is coming on in the second half of the round. In the final seconds of the round, Dolidze closes in for the clinch.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Vettori.

Round 4 – Dolidze lands a combo to start the round. Vettori answers with a left hook. They both come forward, but it’s Dolidze with a knee up the middle, opening a cut. Another punch gets through for Dolidze, and it feels like the momentum is on his side. The action slows to one shot at at time, but Dolidze changes that with a nice combination of punches that forces Vettori to cover up along the fence. Dolidze adds a spinning attack to his output. A front kick followed by a right hand now for Dolidze. Vettori opens up for an exchange, but Dolidze gets the better of it.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Dolidze.

Round 5 – With the fight potentially hanging in the balance on the scorecards, both come out swinging. Dolidze lands a nice right hand after the initial flurry of offense from both. Dolidze cracks with a kick. They exchange punches in the center with both getting clean punches through. Vettori lands a nice left hand. Dolidze kicks to the body, but it lands low to pause the fight. It’s a short pause in the action. Back to it, Dolidze lands a left hand followed by a right head kick. A knee up the middle is not far behind it. Another right kick for Dolidze. Vettori complains about an eye poke, but keeps fighting. Dolidze offers another head kick. And another. The output from Dolidze is significantly higher than Vettori to close out the fight.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Dolidze, giving him the fight 48-47.

Result: Roman Dolidze def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 results: Roman Dolidze avenges loss to Marvin Vettori
Social media reaction: ‘Dolidze vs. Adesanya?’: Fighters react to Roman Dolidze’s victory over Marvin Vettori at UFC Fight Night 254
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Vettori (19-8-1 MMA, 9-6-1 UFC), Dolidze (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Mike Bell, Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and begin the feel-out process. Njokuani finds the range with opening front kicks. After mixing it up with a high kick, Njokuani’s offering goes low as dos Santos throws a kick at the same time. The fight pauses briefly due to the foul. On the restart, they get back to trading kicks, but dos Santos clips Njokuani! He’s rocked, but still with it to defend the follow-up attacks. A moment later, dos Santos charges across the cage for a takedown attempt. He ends up with standing back control as Njokuani keeps things on the feet. Njokuani gets his back to the fence, leading to the separation. Njokuani gets back to his snappy kicks to close out the round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for dos Santos.

Round 2 – Njokuani comes out with forward pressure and more kicks to the legs and the body. An eye poke from Njokuani pauses the fight briefly. Njokuani gets back to his kicks, mixing them to the legs, body, and head. BANG! Njokuani lands a nasty knee in the Thai clinch that sends dos Santos crashing to the canvas! Njokuani rushes in for the finsh and gets the TKO stoppage!

Result: Chidi Njokuani def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via TKO (knee and punches) – Round 2, 2:19
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Chidi Njokuani blasts Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos with clinch knee en route to finish
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Zaleski dos Santos (25-9-1 MMA, 11-5-1 UFC), Njokuani (25-10 MMA, 5-3 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

Alexander Hernandez vs. Kurt Holobaugh

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and Hernandez opens with a front kick to the body. They exchange leg kicks and keep the pace high early as punches fly. Hernandez is aggressive here, but also defensively sound as he darts out of range before Holobaugh can respond. Midway through the round now and the exchanges continue with Holobaugh adding a punch to the body. Hernandez puts togehter a nice combination of punches. Holobaugh answers with a hard right hand. Another punch causes Hernandez to hit the canvas, although it appeared to be more likely due to balance thing than damage. Hernandez gets right back into the heat of it, and looks for a takedown. Holobaugh slaps on a guillotine with a tight squeeze to counter. Hernandez gets his head free right before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Holobaugh.

Round 2 – Holobaugh comes out aggressively with punches. Hernandez circles on the outside, firing punches in too, but Holobaugh’s offerings land with more impact. The body shots from Holobaugh continue to score. Hernandez appears more cautious now. Another right hand from Holobaugh lands flush. Holobaugh keeps bringing the fight to Hernandez. The change in momentum Hernandez needed comes in a clean takedown in the center of the cage. Holobaugh throws up an armbar attempt, but ends up eating a few punches from the top. Holobaugh regains full guard and offers a few elbows from his back, but Hernandez maintains top control until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Holobaugh.

Round 3 – Hernandez goes for a takedown right away, landing in side control. Holobaugh looks to scramble up, but Hernandez floats well as he looks for submissions and ground and pound opportunities. Holobaugh does well to keep Hernandez neutralized from the top, and eventually scrambles to his feet with two minutes left. Holobaugh immediately unleashes his offense, but Hernandez finds another takedown a few seconds later. Hernandez goes for an arm triangle, but it’s not there. Holobaugh threatens a kimura from his back. Hernandez gets his arm free and rains down punches until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hernandez, but the fight goes to Holobaugh, 29-28.

Result: Alexander Hernandez def. Kurt Holobaugh via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Hernandez (16-8 MMA, 8-7 UFC), Holobaugh (22-9 MMA, 2-6 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Kerry Hatley
Judging: Mike Bell (29-28), Eric Colon (29-28), Bryan Miner (29-28)

Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Cody Gibson

Round 1 – No glove touch. Gibson looks for an overhand right to start. Blackshear looks to answer with a combo of punches. Gibson circles and rips a combo of his own, landing better, and finishing with a takedown attempt. Blackshear keeps things standing. On the exit, Gibson unloads punches, forcing Blackshear to cover up. Gibson is hunting for another takedown, but Blackshear isn’t having it and they separate. Gibson continues to fire strikes first. They take each other off their feet with simultaneous leg kicks. They pop up, and a moment later Gibson gets his first takedown. Blackshear threatens a guillotine choke to counter. He puts enough squeeze on it to force Gibson to put his back on the canvas to escape. Gibson throws up an inverted triangle, but it’s not there for him. Blackshear goes for a north/south choke, but can’t get it.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gibson.

Round 2 – Gibson keeps up the activity, but Blackshear appears more eager to exchange than he was to start the first round. Gibson finds his way into a takedown attempt to bring the fight to the mat. Blackshear finds a reversal and ends up on top in side control. Blackshear hunts for a kimura, but Gibson keeps his hands locked. Blackshear grinds his right elbow on Gibson’s face and then digs with the left to the body. Blackshear isolates the kimura again. With Gibson now on his side, he pulls the arm free and cranks on it. There’s the tap!

Result: Da’Mon Blackshear def. Cody Gibson via submission (kimhra) – Round 2, 4:09
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Da’Mon Blackshear breaks down Cody Gibson for submission
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Blackshear (16-7-1 MMA, 4-3-1 UFC), Gibson (22-11 MMA, 3-6 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Diyar Nurgozhay vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Round 1 – No glove touch here. Ribeiro opens with a couple of leg kicks. Nurgozhay goes to the body with a kick. Ribeiro kicks high and then to the body. They trade punches. Nurgozhay slowly begins pressing forward as Ribeiro offers single strikes at a time. A kick to the body from Ribeiro prompts a 1-2 from Nurgozhay. They exchange low kicks. Out of nowhere, Riberio floors Nurgozhay with a 1-2! Riberio stays patient as Nurgozhay is still with it, and gets back to his feet. Ribeiro stays aggressive though, and puts together another strong combination in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Ribeiro.

Round 2 – Ribeiro keeps up the steady volume early in Round 2. Nurgozhay switches things up with a takedown, ending up on the back as Ribeiro attempts to scramble to his feet. Ribeiro sneaks in a kimura to defend, but actually starts to crank on it. Nurgozhay attempts to roll over to counter, but Ribeiro keeps it. He’s on top and cranking it now! There’s the tap! Slick finish for Ribeiro!

Result: Brendson Ribeiro def. Diyar Nurgozhay via submission (kimura) – Round 2, 1:28
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Brendson Ribeiro rolls Diyar Nurgozhay with slick kimura
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Nurgozhay (10-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Ribeiro (17-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

SeungWoo Choi vs. Kevin Vallejos

Round 1 – They touch gloves to begin, and Vallejos takes control of the center. Choi offers an early variety of kicking techniques. Vallejos kicks to the legs, then darts in with a big right hand, but misses the target. They reset and Vallejos continues to pressure forward from the center. Choi keeps kicking to the body and the legs. They trade punches, with Vallejos just missing with a big swing. It’s like he’s seeing it, but not quite connecting. Vallejos dips under a right hand from Choi and drops him with a counter right! Vallejos swarms for the finishing follow-up punches and the referee comes in to call the fight! Beautiful finish by Vallejos!

Result: Kevin Vallejos def. SeungWoo Choi via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:09
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Top prospect Kevin Vallejos TKOs SeungWoo Choi in debut
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Choi (11-8 MMA, 4-7 UFC), Vallejos (15-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Kerry Hatley

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Ryan Spann

Round 1 – They touch gloves and size each other up. An early warning from the ref to both for extending their fingers. Spann gets things going with kicks to the leg and body. Cortes-Acosta darts in with a punch, but Spann isn’t there. Cortes-Acosta offers a leg kick but eats a big counter punch from Spann. An accidental clash of heads prompts a short pause in the fight. On the restart, Cortes-Acosta rocks Spann with a punch. Spann avoids follow-up shots to gather himself. They return to the center and both sit on powerful punches, looking to close the show, but neither connect. A kick from Spann is partially caught, and Cortes-Acosta takes him off balance with a punch. They reset and exchange again. Spann gets clipped again. Each punch feels like the fight could end. Cortes-Acosta peppers Spann with a few jabs, leading to a takedown. Spann kicks Cortes-Acosta away to prevent ground and pound.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cortes-Acosta.

Round 2 – Spann comes out firing a jab, but Cortes-Acosta answers with one of his own. A kick to the body is there for Spann. A punch from Cortes-Acosta intended for the midsection lands to the junk, pausing the fight. On the restart, Spann works behind a left jab. Cortes-Acosta punches with a left, but Spann believes he was poked in the eye. The ref grants the pause, but quickly resumes action after the replay. They get back into it, but Spann backs away after Cortes-Acosta has his fingers extended. The refree warns him again, but they keep fighting. Spann punches as Cortes-Acosta comes in with a kick. The kick lands low, causing another pause. The referee asks the interpreter to communicate Cortes-Acosta to fight clean. The fight resumes again without a point deduction. Spann lands a leg kick. Cortes-Acosta darts in with a right. The output from both slows a bit. With just over a minute, they pick it up again, and it’s Cortes-Acosta landing cleanly. Spann is in trouble here as he attempts to escape. A left hook sits him down. Cortes-Acosta rushes in with devastating ground and pound to put Spann out for the finish.

Result: Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Ryan Spann via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:48
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Waldo Cortes-Acosta pounds out Ryan Spann with punches
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Cortes-Acosta (13-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Spann (22-11 MMA, 8-6 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

AJ Cunningham vs. SuYoung You

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and we see the most patient start to a fight yet as they feel out the range. You steps in with a kick but gets countered quickly with a 1-2. You lands an overhand right and escapes out of range before Cunningham counters. A moment later though, Cunningham lands. You lands a clean right hand that stumbles Cunningham. You with a pair of kicks to the body. A takedown is there for You. Cunningham tries to escape and gets back to his feet for a second before You brings him down again, landing in full mount. Cunningham quickly gets out of that position, but gives up his back a moment later. The round ends in a standing clinch with You on the back.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for You.

Round 2 – You lands a nice leg kick as Cunningham appears somewhat hesitant to let his strikes go. Cunningham keeps the forward pressure on as his corner calls for him to get going. You lands a big punch but Cunningham eats it. You feels the breeze as he ducks under a spinning kick. You looks for a takedown, but gets shoved off. Cunningham then rips a quick pair of punches. You gets a takedown a moment later, though. Cunningham throws up a triangle, and it’s tight. You calmly defends and gives a finger wag when the referee checks closer. You escapes and racks up more top control with a few punches before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for You.

Round 3 – Cunningham pressures as he controls the center. His punches can’t find You, though. You changes levels for a clean takedown and quickly takes full mount with three minutes to go. Heavy top control here from You. He looks for the arm triangle choke. The squeeze is tight, but Cunningham gets free. You stays heavy up top as the clock runs out on Cunningham. With about 20 seconds remaining, Cunningham nearly gets up, but You dragged him back down until the final horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for You, giving him the fight 30-27.

Result: SuYoung You def. AJ Cunningham via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Cunningham (11-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC), You (15-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Eric Colon, Chris Leben, Tony Weeks

Josias Musasa vs. Carlos Vera

Round 1 – They come out trading leg kicks to start. Vera looks to take the fight to the ground, pulling guard, but Musasa isn’t having it and waves him back up. Vera unleashes a spinning kick to the head! Musasa just eats it on the chin, catches Vera’s leg, and pushes him to the ground. Once again, he calls Vera to gett back up. They resume trading strikes, both bouncing around lightly. Out of nowhere, Vera floors Musasa with a head kick! Vera pounces on Musasa on the ground, takes the back and slaps on the rear-naked choke for the tap! What a finishing sequence!

Result: Carlos Vera def. Josias Musasa via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:16
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Carlos Vera stuns heavy favorite Josias Musasa with wild finish
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Musasa (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Vera (12-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean

Sam Hughes vs. Stephanie Luciano

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and get right into it. They’re immediately trading strikes as they cover a lot of ground in the cage. Hughes gets the better of the opening moments, cracing Luciano with a big punch. Luciano’s kicks are able to slow Hughes down, though. Hughes catches one of those kicks, and lifts the leg above her head to push Luciano to the ground. They quickly get back to their feet, but Hughes sticks with the clinch. Luciano is able to get away, but Hughes stays in her range with forward pressure. Hughes gets a takedown, but Luciano quickly gets up. They work out of the clinch quickly too. Hughes keeps coming forward. Luciano lands a nice kick to the body. A left hand and an uppercut is there for her as well. Hughes lands an overhand right. Luciano gets the better of the closing exchanges.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hughes.

Round 2 – Hughes gets back to her forward pressure, but Luciano lands the cleaner strikes. Luciano is mixing up her strikes well, punches to the head and body, with her kicks targeting different areas too. Regardless, Hughes stays in range and finds her spot for a takedown. This time, Hughes keeps Luciano down and takes full mount. Luciano turns and gives up her back as Hughes punches from the top. Hughes slaps on a rear-naked choke. Luciano fights the hands well and eventually gets her back to the canvas to escape the choke. Hughes, still in full mount, drops in a few nice short elbows. Luciano turns and gives up her back again with a minute to go. Hughes punches, but Luciano turns again and gets to half guard. Hughes gets a crucifix and rains down hard elbows until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hughes.

Round 3 – After an opening exchange, Hughes shoots in for a quick takedown. Luciano defends it well and reverses the position. They separate, returning to the center to trade punches. They clinch up, but nothing comes of it. Back in the center now, Luciano turns up her volume as Hughes’ forward pressure subsides. Hughes charges forward to clinch, but Luciano reverses the position before separating. Just over a minute to go. Luciano’s output continues to be higher. Hughes shoots in but is denied. Luciano continues to offer punches. Hughes lands a nice leg kick. They go for it in the final few seconds before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Luciano, but the fight goes to Hughes, 29-28.

Result: Sam Hughes def. Stephanie Luciano via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-27)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Hughes (10-6 MMA, 5-5 UFC), Luciano (6-2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith
Judging: Mike Bell (29-28), Derek Cleary (29-27), Sal D’Amato (28-29)

Daniel Barez vs. Andre Lima

Round 1 – They come out exchanging hard leg kicks. A few punches upstairs are traded, but Lima goes right back to chopping at the lead leg of Barez. Lima snaps out a left jab. Lima steps in with a powerful right hand that rocks Barez. The hunt is on now as Barez backs away and gets on his bike to prevent Lima from landing again. Lima keeps chasing around the cage but can’t land. Barez gets the clinch and tries to take the back, but Lima gets him off. Back in the center, they’re exchanging punches with Barez connecting well. Lima quickly answers after a combination. Blood is now trickling from Barez’s nose. Lima digs in some hard punches to the body. There’s another chopping leg kick. Now it’s the jab. Lima’s playing target practice now. But halting the momentum is an accidental poke. After a brief pause, the final seconds of the round conclude in the clinch.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lima.

Round 2 – Lima gets right back to striking with more hard leg kicks. Barez looks to answer with punches and a takedown, but it’s stuffed easily. Lima continues to chop with leg kicks. Barez stumbles. Now he’s checking the kick, but that opens up punches upstairs for Lima. The left jab and the right leg kick continue to score. Add a hard body shot to the mix. Lima is pouring it on as he stalks Barez. Now it’s short elbows. Lima is teeing off now! The referee steps in for a closer look. As Lima looks to the ref for the stoppage, Barez lands a punch. Lima opts for a takedown and looks for ground and pound. Barez keeps him in tight to prevent damage and to make it to the next round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Lima.

Round 3 – Lima gets right back to the leg kicks. Barez tries for an early takedown, but gets reversed. Lima is on top in full guard. Barez does well again to prevent damage from his back. Lima stands up, but decides to enter the guard again. Barez tries to explode back to his feet, but gives up his back. Midway through the round now, Lima hunts for the rear-naked choke. He gets the arm under the chin and puts on the squeeze! There’s the tap!

Result: Andre Lima def. Daniel Barez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:05
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Andre Lima dominates, finishes Daniel Barez
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Barez (17-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Lima (11-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Karry Hatley

Priscila Cachoeira vs. Josiane Nunes

Round 1 – They get right into it, slinging punches. Cachoeira appears sharper here early. She’s repeatedly landing the right hand while Nunes stays in the pocket, eating them and trying to keep her guard tight. Nunes tries to answer, but Cachoeira slides out of range. Now Nunes connects with a couple of punches to keep Cachoeira honest. The pace remains steady as they trade punches. Nunes lands a nice overhand left, but then Cachoeira offers a few more punches straight down the pipe. Nunes keeps coming forward with punches. BOOM! Cachoeira puts Nunes out cold with a filthy right uppercut for the walkoff knockout!

Result: Priscila Cachoeira def. Josiane Nunes via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:46
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Priscila Cachoeira’s uppercut puts Josiane Nunes out cold
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Cachoeira (13-6 MMA, 5-6 UFC), Nunes (10-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Yuneisy Duben vs. Carli Judice

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and get right into the opening striking exchanges. Judice lands a quiestion mark kick, but Duben fires back a series of punches. Judice stays on the attack. Duben’s counters are landing well, but Judice keeps coming forward, backing Duben into the cage and tagging her with punches. Duben stumbles, but circles away. Judice stays with her and BANG! A left head kick floors Duben! The follow up punches land and the referee rushes in to stop the fight! Woah!

Result: Carli Judice def. Yuneisy Duben via TKO (head kick) – Round 1, 1:40
Recap: UFC Fight Night 254 video: Carli Judice smokes Yuneisy Duben with head kick and punches
Photos: UFC Fight Night 254: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Duben (6-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Judice (4-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mark Smith

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 254.

UFC Fight Night 254 video: Chidi Njokuani blasts Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos with clinch knee en route to finish

In the UFC Fight Night 254 co-main event, Chidi Njokuani blasted Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos with a knee to start a TKO sequence.

[autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag] added another highlight to his reel Saturday.

In the UFC Fight Night 254 co-main event, Njokuani (25-10 MMA, 5-3 UFC) blasted [autotag]Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos[/autotag] (25-9-1 MMA, 11-5-1 UFC) with a knee and finished the fight with strikes on the ground at the 2:19 mark of Round 2. The fight took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Njokuani missed weight ahead of the bout, which unfortunately for him will mean he’s ineligible for a bonus. However, the win may open up other doors. The win was his third in a row and during his in-cage interview he called for a top-15 matchup next.

Dos Santos falls to 1-2-1 in his most recent four. A member of the UFC roster since 2015, dos Santos will aim to right the ship in his next outing in order to get out of the rockiest stretch of his professional career.

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 254 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 254.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 254

Welterweight strikers Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos and Chidi Njokuani clash in the UFC Fight Night 254 co-feature. Will the judges be needed?

[autotag]Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos[/autotag] and [autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag] meet Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 254 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 2-3
UFC main cards, 2025: 19-16-1

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 254 preview

Dos Santos (25-8-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) will look to keep the positive momentum going after returning to the win column in his last outing. In November, dos Santos made quick work of Zach Scroggin, ending the fight in just 75 seconds. The 38-year-old Brazilian has finished five of his 16 UFC bouts. … Njokuani (24-10 MMA, 4-3 UFC) aims to make it three wins in a row. Last March, the 36-year-old stopped a three-fight skid by winning a split decision over Rhys McKee. Njokuani followed that up with a unanimous nod against Jared Gordon in October.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 254 expert pick, prediction

The co-main event in Las Vegas features a potential welterweight war between dos Santos and Njokuani.

Although it’s fun to imagine the possibilities between the muay Thai and capoeira that’s advertised at first glance, I suspect we’re in for a gritty and grimy affair.

Aside from the fact that Njoakuani prefers closed-quarter combat in the form of clinches and collar ties, dos Santos quietly carries a Brazilain jiu-jitsu black belt that he’s attempted to dust off in stylistic matchups such as this one.

As seen in his fights with Curtis Millender and Randy Brown, dos Santos – who is a potent pocket puncher – will happily look for takedowns and transition to the back is the opportunity becomes available. Add in the fact that we’re in the smaller octagon, and I believe that Njokauni will be inherently wired to give dos Santos the exact kind of fight he wants.

The pick is dos Santos by submission in Round 2.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 254 odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Brazilian fighter, listing dos Santos -200 and Njokuani +160 via FanDuel.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani UFC Fight Night 254 start time, how to watch

As the co-main event, dos Santos and Njokuani are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:10 p.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 254.

UFC Fight Night 254’s Chidi Njokuani out to make statement vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Chidi Njokuani wants to make the most of his UFC Fight Night 253 co-main event placement and impress vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag] wants to take a big step in his fighting career, and he believes he’s got the perfect platform to do so.

Njokuani (24-10 MMA, 4-3 UFC) returns this Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 255 (ESPN+), which takes place at the UFC Apex. He takes on fellow welterweight veteran Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.

“It’s been a long time coming, and I’m thankful for it,” Njokuani said at Wednesday’s media day when asked about his thoughts on fighting in a co-main event. “I don’t think I’ve always deserved this, so I’m thankful for this. I do want to make a statement, and I do want to move up. It starts with the co-main, then the main, and then the title.”

Njokuani, being the taller fighter with more range, plans to fight dos Santos (25-8-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC), a dangerous Brazilian striker, at a distance this Saturday.

“I feel like I fought opponents pretty similar in the past,” Njokuani said. “It is a fight, so anything can happen, but I do want to keep him at the end of all my punches and kicks, and see how he does with that.”

This bout on Saturday marks Njokuani’s 36th professional fight. He’s been fighting for almost 20 years, having made his debut in 2007. He says the key to fighting at a high level for a long time is motivation – which he makes sure to protect at all time.

“I think that’s what it is – goals,” Njokuani explained. “I have to attach goals to something. When I’m in the gym, my coaches are yelling, ‘Top 15, top 15.’ It motivates me more because there’s something that I’m pushing for. I’m not just fighting just to fight. I want to be the best. I actually want something out of this.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

Now 2-0 at welterweight, Chidi Njokuani calls for top-15 opponent next: ‘I’m shooting for that title shot’

Chidi Njokuani wants a top-15 opponent following his second straight win since dropping to the UFC welterweight division.

LAS VEGAS – UFC gold if the goal for [autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag], but he understands several steps need to be taken before that can turn into reality.

The UFC veteran is now 2-0 since dropping to the welterweight division, as he defeated Jared Gooden in a unanimous decision in the main card of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244. Now, Njokuani (24-10 MMA, 4-3 UFC) wants to test himself against the top 15 of the division in hopes to get closer to his ultimate goal.

“I’ll fight whoever, but I’m looking for somebody in the top 15 – maybe a bigger name, so I can start rising up in the rankings and getting my name out there a little more,” Njokuani said at the UFC Fight Night 244 post-fight press conference. “I’ll fight whoever. If a good opportunity comes by soon, I’ll take it. I’ll just go back with my management and see how they feel about everything.”

Njokuani, 35, has almost seen it all now 35 fights into his professional MMA career. Although some may dismiss his title chances, he believes there’s still time for him to get to a UFC title.

“It may sound crazy to a lot of people, but I’m shooting for that title shot,” Njokuani said. “I still believe I can get it.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

UFC Fight Night 244 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Brad Tavares gets $21,000 in record bout

UFC Fight Night 244 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $186,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC Fight Night 244 took place at the UFC Apex. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC Fight Night 244 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Tatsuro Taira[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]JunYong Park[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jared Gooden[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Grant Dawson[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Rafa Garcia[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Daniel Rodriguez[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Alex Morono[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Ramazan Temirov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]CJ Vergara[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Pat Sabatini[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jonathan Pearce[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Themba Gorimbo[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Niko Price[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Junior Tafa[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Sean Sharaf[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Julia Polastri[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Cory McKenna[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Cody Haddon[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Dan Argueta[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Clayton Carpenter[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Lucas Rocha[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,630; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $32,000 while title challengers get $42,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-63 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $6,488,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $29,225,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

Jared Gooden vs. Chidi Njokuani prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 244

Jared Gooden and Chidi Njokuani both battle the scale to hit the welterweight limit, but who will win in the octagon at UFC Fight Night 244?

[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. 

Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 84-74-3

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.

UFC Fight Night 244: Chidi Njokuani vs. Jared Gooden odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 odds between Chidi Njokuani vs. Jared Gooden, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round welterweight bout on the main card, Chidi Njokuani and Jared Gooden meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 244 — also known as UFC Vegas 98 and UFC on ESPN+ 102 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Night Night 244: Njokuani vs. Gooden odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Njokuani (23-10-0) | Gooden (23-9-0)

The 35-year-old Njokuani halted a 3-bout losing skid, all at the middleweight division, with a split-decision win over Rhys McKee last time out in late March in his return to welterweight. It was just his 2nd fight to go the distance in 6 bouts at the UFC, with the other 4 resulting in KO/TKOs. He is 2-2 in those 4 fights which ended in knockout.

For Gooden, he is making his 2nd tour in the UFC. He was 1-3 with the promotion back from Nov. 21, 2020 to Oct. 9, 2021 before being dismissed. He returned with a unanimous-decision loss to Carlston Harris on March 11, 2023, before choking out Wellington Turman in the 2nd round on Dec. 2.

Njokuani has a 3-inch reach advantage, while Gooden holds a 5.08-to-4.09 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Both fighters aren’t terrible gifted in the ground game, and the difference in negligible in submission average.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC Fight Night 244: Njokuani vs. Gooden odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Njokuani -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Gooden +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -165 | Under +135)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +150 | No -210)

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UFC Fight Night 244: Njokuani vs. Gooden picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

NJOKUANI (-165) is worth a look as a moderate favorite, as he will use his 3-inch reach advantage to pull Gooden (+135) in and out at his discretion.

The favorite won’t want to play around with the challenger too much in close quarters, but he will be able to push and pull him out, choosing the right time to strike and go for the kill. He is much better at welterweight than middleweight, when he was in over his head.

If you’re looking for a method of victory, NJOKUANI BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+150) at plus-money is worth a look, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-165) is worth playing, although it’s a bit on the expensive side.

Njokuani has ended up going the distance in 2 of his past 3 fights, while Gooden has gone the distance in 4 of his 6 bouts at the UFC level.

However, No (-210): Will the fight go the distance? is just a little too expensive. Stick with the Over/Under or the method, for much better results.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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