Chidi Njokuani continued his impressive run at welterweight, defeating Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via TKO due to knees and elbows at 2:19 of Round 2 during the co-main event at UFC Vegas 104 on March 15, 2025, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This match marked another highlight for Njokuani, who now boasts three consecutive victories since his return to the 170-pound division.
Despite his success, Njokuani faced significant scrutiny prior to the fight due to missing weight for the seventh time in his professional career, forcing the bout to move to a 172.25-pound catchweight. The weight miss stripped him of eligibility for performance bonuses, but he seemed unfazed as he focused on securing his spot among ranked contenders.
Njokuani started the fight with aggressive leg kicks, establishing his reach and dictation of the pace early on. An accidental low blow halting the action gave Zaleski, known for his explosive techniques, a brief respite. Following the break, Njokuani reset his focus and landed crisp shots, utilizing his height and distance advantage, showcasing his superior combat technique.
Throughout Round 1, Njokuani maintained control with effective kicks and defensive maneuvers. Even when Zaleski launched counterattacks, including a solid right hook putting Njokuani momentarily on the back foot, Njokuani quickly regained composure. He resumed his assault with precise strikes, including body kicks aimed at wearing down his opponent.
Round 2 saw Njokuani escalate the intensity. He opened with continued strikes to Zaleski, gradually pushing him back until he seized on the momentum. A pivotal knee strike eventually found its mark, sending Zaleski crashing to the mat. Njokuani seized the moment to deliver follow-up elbows, compelling referee Mark Smith to halt the contest to prevent any serious injury to Zaleski.
Post-fight, Njokuani reflected on his victory, saying, "I was coming in here expecting a three-round war. I don’t know what the hell I hit him with but it ended up finishing the fight early." He expressed confidence in his performance but acknowledged the pressure from the weight-cutting incident, stating, "That weight-miss situation, I was ready to cut the pound but the doctor said no. I’ll make up for it. It ain’t going to happen again." His determination was evident as he called for higher-stakes matchups, firmly asserting, "I need a top 15 opponent. Give me somebody. Anybody can get it."
Contrastingly, Zaleski finds himself struggling with this recent defeat, now 1-2-1 over his last four fights. Historically formidable, Zaleski has showcased skills including powerful spinning attacks and diverse strikes but appeared unable to align his game effectively against Njokuani. Though he showed moments of potential, the veteran will need to recalibrate and regroup for future competitions.
The co-main event not only highlighted Njokuani’s reputation as a knockout artist but also showcased the ever-evolving nature of UFC competition. This shift signals the importance of effective weight management, particularly for fighters aspiring to contend for the title picture. Njokuani’s resurgence from previous losing streaks exhibits resilience and tenacity within the sport.
The UFC Vegas 104 card experienced various significant results, including other fighters making their mark. For now, Njokuani stands out as one to watch moving forward, with aspirations of climbing the welterweight ranks. Stay tuned for what will surely be more exhilarating bouts as the UFC advances through 2025.