Veteran fighters Chidi Njokuani of the United States of America and Brazil's Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos collide in a welterweight contest in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 254 this weekend at the UFC Apex. Both strikers won their last fights, with Njokuani on a 2-fight streak after scoring a perfect 2-0 last year, following a drop to welterweight. Despite the better recent form, the veteran welterweight dos Santos is tipped by the bookmakers to win the match, which may likely be an entertaining slugfest that could swing either way.
Bet on Chidi Njokuani vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos with 1xBet
MMA: UFC Welterweight
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
Date: 16.03.2025 04:00
Chidi Njokuani
"Chidi Bang Bang" dropped to 170 pounds last year following a string of losses at middleweight. The change brought instant success with a 36-year-old claiming decisions over Rhys Mckee and Jared Gooden to bring his UFC record to 4-3. The Muay Thai stylist arrived in the UFC with a bang, stopping his first two opponents via knockouts and winning Performance of the Night bonuses. The Dallas native competed in Bellator and LFA before earning his UFC contract with a TKO at Contender Series 38 in 2021. Chidi Njokuani turned pro in 2007 and won the Tachi Palace welterweight title in 2015.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 36
- Height: 6’3”
- Reach: 80”
- Weight: 170 lbs
- Record: 24-10-1
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
The 38-year-old Brazilian has been a mainstay of the UFC welterweight class since debuting in the promotion in 2015. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos has fought many notable names in the 170-pound class, including scoring wins over Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, Max Griffin, Benoit Saint Denis and most recently Abubakar Nurmagomedov. Last year dos Santos split his two fights in the octagon, losing a decision against Randy Brown in June before bouncing back to knock out Zach Scroggin in the first round of their November fight. "Capoeira's" style covers the range of Muay Thai, Capoeira, and BJJ where he holds a black belt. He has 15 wins by knockout and eleven first round finishes.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 38
- Height: 5'11"
- Reach: 73"
- Weight: 170lbs (77kg)
- Record: 25-8-1 (Draw)
Betting Odds
Chidi Njokuani is a 2.60 underdog on Betway. Over 2.5 is 2.10 on Bet365 with the under at 1.66 odds. On 1xbet, Yes to the start of round 3 is at 1.65 with No priced at 2.21 odds. Read more here.
Bet on Chidi Njokuani vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos with 1xBet
