5 Defining Moments: Kennedy Nzechukwu

Dana White's Contender Series fans easily recognize Kennedy Nzechukwu as a formidable talent, who left a lasting impression with his appearance on both the first and second seasons of the Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO’s talent discovery platform. During his first appearance, Nzechukwu defeated former “The Ultimate Fighter” contestant Anton Berzin via split decision. Despite showing promise, he still lacked the polish and experience to warrant a contract offer. Nevertheless, after two notching two decisive stoppage victories on the regional circuit, he returned for the second season. There, he delivered an electrifying first-round head-kick knockout victory over Dennis Bryant, thereby securing the coveted UFC contract.

The Fortis MMA product has certainly demonstrated promise across 10 UFC fights, characterized by occasional glimpses of brilliance. Yet, despite the plaudits and admiration for his remarkable display of fortitude and resilience, he isn’t content with his fighting approach. The way he sees it, he is a “slow starter” and unlike most fighters who display their prowess early on, he claims to employ a deliberate strategy, prioritizing steady growth over time. Having suffered a loss against Dustin Jacoby in August 2023, he enters his next mission with the fervent desire of enriching his legacy in the impending encounter against Ovince St. Preux on March 16 at UFC Fight Night 239. Ahead of that clash, let’s take a look at five defining moments that have chiseled Nzechukwu into a self-described “American Savage.”

Pit Stop to Redemption

As mentioned previously, the Nigerian failed in his bid to secure a UFC contract during his first appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series 7 on Aug. 22, 2017. Subsequently, he went on to compete under the Xtreme Knockout and Legacy Fighting Alliance banner against Andre Kavanaugh and Corey Johnson respectively. He picked up a pair of TKO victories in those bouts which paved the way for the second crack at the talent scouting platform.

Second Time’s the Charm

In his second appearance on the show, Nzechukwu showcased his striking skills against Dennis Bryant. Despite Bryant’s early leg kicks, the 31-year-old’s jabs and left straights found the mark. Nzechukwu eventually landed a well-timed head kick that dropped Bryant and sealed the deal with raining hammerfists. The quick first-round victory that took his record to 6-0, impressed the UFC decision-makers and Nzechukwu charted the course to make his mark on the grand stage of the world’s premier MMA organization.

Redemption Road and Solid Run

The Fortis MMA product made his promotional debut against Paul Craig and exhibited dominance for 13 minutes and change. Yet, in the final minute, the Scottish submission ace seized an opening and locked in a triangle choke to secure victory. A few months later, the light heavyweight prospect squared off against Darko Stosic, exhibiting sheer dominance throughout the 15-minute affair. With his first UFC victory registered, Nzechukwu went on to pick up two more victories, both by finish, over Carlos Ulberg and Danilo Marques. For the knockout of Ulberg, he was awarded the “Fight of the Night” honors and he went on to collect a “Performance of the Night” bonus for the TKO victory over Marques.

Stepping into the Spotlight

Nzechukwu passed the test with flying colors in his first main event opportunity against Ion Cutelaba at UFC Fight Night 215. The bout was elevated to the main event slot after Derrick Lewis had to pull out of his fight against Sergey Spivak. In the first frame, the Nigerian was scooped to the canvas and threatened with multiple submission attempts. However, he came back stronger in the second round, hurt the Moldovan “Hulk” with a well-timed knee, and closed the show with a flurry of punches. With that victory, Nzechukwu turned around a forgettable start to 2022, capped off by consecutive victories over Karl Roberson and Cutelaba.

Last Victorious Outing

At UFC 288, “African Savage” secured a thrilling victory over Devin Clark. Much like the fight against Cutelaba, Nzechukwu had to endure a barrage of strikes from Clark before retaliating with a punishing clinch game. In the second round, Nzechukwu capitalized on Clark’s takedown attempt, locking in the fight-ending guillotine choke at 2:28 of the second round. The victory took him to a three-fight unbeaten run, and we would be keen on embracing past dominance when he locks horns with Saint Preux this weekend.