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Anthony Njokuani

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Anthony Njokuani
Njokuani visiting Camp Buehring, Kuwait, in 2012.
BornAnthony Obinnia Njokuani
(1980-03-01) March 1, 1980 (age 44)
Enugu, Nigeria
Other namesThe Assassin
The Nigerian Nightmare
NationalityAmerican
Nigerian
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight174 lb (79 kg; 12.4 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Lightweight
Reach75+1⁄2 in (192 cm)
Fighting out ofLas Vegas, Nevada, United States
TeamJanjira Muay Thai
One Kick's Gym
Sergio Penha BJJ
TrainerSaeksan Janjira
Nick "One Kick" Blomgren
Sergio Penha
Years active2001–present
Kickboxing record
Total27
Wins25
Losses2
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total33
Wins18
By knockout10
By decision8
Losses14
By knockout2
By submission5
By decision7
No contests1
Other information
Notable relativesChidi Njokuani (brother)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: April 20, 2013

Anthony Obinna Njokuani // ⓘ (born March 1, 1980) is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer. A professional competitor since 2001, Njokuani has also formerly competed for the UFC, WEC, and ONE Championship.

Background

Born in Enugu, Nigeria on March 1, 1980, Anthony Njokuani and his family immigrated to the United States in 1983, settling in Garland, Texas. Njokuani began his martial arts training in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 17 before later moving on to Muay Thai and then mixed martial arts at the age of 21. Njokuani's younger brother, Chidi Njokuani, is also a professional mixed martial artist.[1]

Career

Early career (2001–2008)

Njokuani began his professional career in 1999, initially fighting as a kickboxer. He enjoyed some success in the sport by compiling a 24–0 record[2][3] and winning the Kansas state Muay Thai title.[4] He turned his hand to mixed martial arts in 2003 and became champion of the Texas-based Art of War promotion in 2007 before making a brief return to kickboxing to compete for the Oklahoma Destroyers in the -74.3 kg/164 lb division in the team-based World Combat League promotion during the 2007-08 season.

Having compiled a 9–1 (1) MMA record by 2008, Njokuani signed with World Extreme Cagefighting.

World Extreme Cagefighting (2009–2010)

Njokuani made his promotional debut on January 25, 2009, at WEC 38, losing to future WEC Lightweight Champion and future UFC Lightweight Champion, Benson Henderson via second round submission.[5]

Njokuani was expected to face Anthony Pettis on April 5, 2009, at WEC 40. However, Pettis pulled out of the fight with a hand injury and was replaced by Bart Palaszewski.[6] Njokuani defeated Palaszewski via TKO in the second round.

Njokuani next face Muhsin Corbbrey on October 10, 2009, at WEC 43.[7] Njokuani defeated Corbbrey via second-round TKO.

Njokuani fought IFL veteran Chris Horodecki, who made his WEC debut on December 19, 2009, at WEC 45.[8] Njokuani won via first-round TKO, earning the Knockout of the Night award for the third consecutive time in the WEC.[9]

Njokuani faced Shane Roller at WEC 48 on April 24, 2010.[10] He lost the fight via first round rear-naked choke submission.[11]

He was defeated by newcomer Maciej Jewtuszko via first-round TKO at WEC 50.

Njokuani defeated WEC newcomer Edward Faaloloto via second-round TKO on November 11, 2010, at WEC 52.[12]

Ultimate Fighting Championship (2011–2014)

In October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[13]

In his UFC debut, Njokuani faced touted prospect Edson Barboza on March 19, 2011, at UFC 128.[14] He lost the fight via unanimous decision, but the bout won the Fight of the Night bonus.[15]

Njokuani fought Andre Winner on July 2, 2011, at UFC 132, winning via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26).[16] UFC commentator, Joe Rogan, called it Njokuani's best performance of his career. With this performance, Njokuani became the sixth fighter to land over 100 significant strikes in a single bout.[citation needed]

Njokuani was expected to face Paul Taylor on November 5, 2011, at UFC 138.[17] However, just days before the event, Taylor pulled out of the bout citing an injury. With no time to find a suitable replacement the bout was scrapped.[18]

Njokuani was expected to face Ramsey Nijem on December 30, 2011, at UFC 141.[19] However, Nijem was forced out the bout with an injury and replaced by Danny Castillo.[20] He lost the fight via split decision.

Njokuani defeated John Makdessi on April 21, 2012, at UFC 145[21] via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Njokuani was expected to face Paul Taylor on July 11, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Munoz vs. Weidman.[22] However, Taylor was forced out of the bout with yet another injury and replaced by Rafael dos Anjos.[23] Njokuani lost the fight via unanimous decision, and was sidelined for six months as he recovered from surgery to repair a broken right hand suffered in the bout.[24]

Njokuani faced debuting Strikeforce fighter Roger Bowling on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7.[25] He won the fight via KO in the second round.

A bout with Paul Taylor was scheduled for the third time and was expected to take place on October 26, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 30.[26] However, Taylor was forced to pull out of the bout once again with another injury and later retired. Taylor was replaced this time by Al Iaquinta.[27] On September 24, Njokuani also pulled out of the event with an injury.[28] and was replaced by Piotr Hallmann.[29]

After over a year away from the cage, Njokuani returned to face Vinc Pichel on May 24, 2014, at UFC 173.[30] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Njokuani faced Daron Cruickshank on October 4, 2014, at UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Saffiedine.[31] He lost the fight by unanimous decision, and was subsequently released from the promotion.[32]

Legacy Fighting Championship (2014–present)

Just two days after his UFC release was announced, it was announced that Njokuani had signed a multi-fight deal with Legacy FC. He made his debut against David Burrow at Legacy FC 38 on February 13, 2015.[33] Despite dominating the first two rounds via his stand up, Njokuani lost the fight via submission in the third round.

Lion Fight

On February 3, 2017, Njokuani returned to Muay Thai action at Lion Fight 34 at the Tropicana in Las Vegas. He defeated Australia's Chris Harrington by third round (T)KO to keep his undefeated record.[34]

ONE Championship

On October 6, 2018, Njokuani made his ONE Championship debut in Bangkok, Thailand against former K-1 World MAX and shoot boxing champion Andy Souwer at ONE Championship: Kingdom of Heroes. He won by split decision.[35]

On February 22, 2019, he faced future ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Regian Eersel in Singapore at ONE Championship: Call to Greatness. Njokuani lost by second-round knockout.[36] Afterwards, he tried to overturn the result of the fight due to Eersel landing an elbow but the ruling was upheld.[37]

Gamebred Fighting Championship

Njokuani faced Wesley Golden on December 17, 2021, at Gamebred Fighting Championship 3. He won the bout via ground and pound TKO in the first round.[38]

Njokuani faced Raimond Magomedaliev on January 28, 2022, at Eagle FC 44.[39] He lost by first-round technical knockout.[40]

Njokuani faced Handesson Ferreira at Gamebred FC 4 in a bare-knuckle MMA bout on May 5, 2023,[41] losing the bout after being submitted via rear-naked choke at the end of the first round.[42]

Njokuani faced Brandon Jenkins at a Gamebred FC 5 on September 8, 2023.[43] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[44]

Championships and accomplishments

Kickboxing

  • Kansas State Kickboxing
    • Kansas State Muay Thai Champion

Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
33 matches 18 wins 14 losses
By knockout 10 2
By submission 0 5
By decision 8 7
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 18–14 (1) Brandon Jenkins Decision (unanimous) Gamebred Fighting Championship 5 September 8, 2023 3 5:00 Jacksonville, Florida, United States Bare Knuckle MMA. Catchweight (165 lb) bout.
Loss 17–14 (1) Handesson Ferreira Submission (rear-naked choke) Gamebred Fighting Championship 4 May 5, 2023 1 4:09 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Bare Knuckle MMA.
Loss 17–13 (1) Raimond Magomedaliev TKO (punches) Eagle FC 44 January 28, 2022 1 2:49 Miami, United States 175 lbs debut.
Win 17–12 (1) Wesley Golden TKO (punches) Gamebred Fighting Championship 3 December 17, 2021 1 4:38 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States Welterweight debut. Bare knuckle MMA bout.
Loss 16–12 (1) Leonardo Mafra Decision (unanimous) FFC 25 - Mitchell vs. Lopez June 11, 2016 3 5:00 Springfield, Massachusetts, United States
Loss 16–11 (1) Josh Quayhagen Decision (split) Legacy Fighting Championship 42 June 26, 2015 3 5:00 Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States
Loss 16–10 (1) David Burrow Submission (armbar) Legacy Fighting Championship 38 February 13, 2015 3 1:28 Allen, Texas, United States
Loss 16–9 (1) Daron Cruickshank Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Saffiedine October 4, 2014 3 5:00 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Loss 16–8 (1) Vinc Pichel Decision (unanimous) UFC 173 May 24, 2014 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 16–7 (1) Roger Bowling KO (punch) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 2013 2 2:52 San Jose, California, United States
Loss 15–7 (1) Rafael dos Anjos Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Munoz vs. Weidman July 11, 2012 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States
Win 15–6 (1) John Makdessi Decision (unanimous) UFC 145 April 21, 2012 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States Catchweight (158 lb) bout; Makdessi missed weight.
Loss 14–6 (1) Danny Castillo Decision (split) UFC 141 December 30, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 14–5 (1) Andre Winner Decision (unanimous) UFC 132 July 2, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 13–5 (1) Edson Barboza Decision (unanimous) UFC 128 March 19, 2011 3 5:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 13–4 (1) Edward Faaloloto TKO (elbow) WEC 52 November 11, 2010 2 4:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 12–4 (1) Maciej Jewtuszko TKO (punches) WEC 50 August 18, 2010 1 1:36 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 12–3 (1) Shane Roller Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 48 April 24, 2010 1 3:21 Sacramento, California, United States
Win 12–2 (1) Chris Horodecki TKO (head kick and punches) WEC 45 December 19, 2009 1 3:33 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 11–2 (1) Muhsin Corbbrey TKO (punches) WEC 43 October 10, 2009 2 1:42 San Antonio, Texas, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 10–2 (1) Bart Palaszewski TKO (punches) WEC 40 April 5, 2009 2 0:27 Chicago, Illinois, United States Knockout of the Night.
Loss 9–2 (1) Benson Henderson Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 38 January 25, 2009 2 0:42 San Diego, California, United States
Win 9–1 (1) Aaron Williams TKO (knees) SWC 1: Inception September 19, 2008 1 2:28 Garland, Texas, United States
Win 8–1 (1) Keyon Mike Jackson KO (knee) Art of War 3 September 1, 2007 1 2:14 Dallas, Texas, United States
Loss 7–1 (1) Donald Cerrone Submission (triangle choke) ROF 29: Aftershock April 28, 2007 1 4:30 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 7–0 (1) Kenneth Rosfort-Nees KO (punch) Art of War 1 March 9, 2007 1 2:12 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 6–0 (1) Jason Palacios Decision (unanimous) Lonestar Beatdown November 10, 2006 3 3:00 College Station, Texas, United States
Win 5–0 (1) Steven Bratland Decision (unanimous) UTS 6 June 26, 2006 3 5:00 Frisco, Texas, United States
Win 4–0 (1) Ira Boyd Decision (unanimous) UTS 5 April 29, 2006 3 5:00 Frisco, Texas, United States [46]
Win 3–0 (1) Devon Miller KO (punches) UTS 4 February 25, 2006 2 0:55 Frisco, Texas, United States
Win 2–0 (1) Ben Dauck Decision (unanimous) Inferno Promotions: Meltdown July 22, 2005 3 5:00 Plano, Texas, United States
NC 1–0 (1) James Martinez No Contest (premature stoppage) Venom: First Strike September 18, 2004 1 2:47 Huntington Beach, California, United States
Win 1–0 Lee King Decision (unanimous) REF: Austin Fights May 3, 2003 3 5:00 Austin, Texas, United States

Kickboxing record

Professional Kickboxing record
25 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws, 0 no contests
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2019-10-28 Win Australia Elliot Compton ONE Hero Series October Beijing, China Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2019-02-22 Loss Netherlands Regian Eersel ONE Championship: Call to Greatness Kallang, Singapore KO (punches) 2 1:03
2018-10-06 Win Netherlands Andy Souwer ONE Championship: Kingdom of Heroes Bangkok, Thailand Decision (split) 3 3:00
2017-09-29 Loss United Kingdom Liam Nolan Triumphant I Muay Thai Series 1 Rohnert Park, California, United States Decision (Split) 5 3:00
For the WMC Intercontinental -160 lbs title.
2017-02-03 Win Australia Chris Harrington Lion Fight 34 Las Vegas, Nevada TKO (3 knockdowns) 3 2:44
2008-06-07 Win United States Thad Campbell World Combat League New York, New York, United States Decision (15-9) 1 3:00
2008-06-07 Win United States Bryan Corley World Combat League Austin, Texas KO (punches) 1
2007-10-19 Loss United States Kurt Halsey World Combat League Oklahoma, United States Decision (17-11) 1 3:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References

  1. ^ "Anthony Njokuani transformed by culture shock, bullies, father's passing". mmajunkie.com. 2009-12-12. Archived from the original on 2009-12-21.r
  2. ^ "– WEC 40 FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR CHICAGO - MMAWeekly.com". Mmaweekly.com.
  3. ^ "UFC 128: Njokuani Expects "Awesome Battle for the Fans"".
  4. ^ "Anthony Njokuani - Official UFC® Fighter Profile". Ufc.com. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  5. ^ Staff (January 22, 2009). "WEC Finalizes WEC 38 Fight Card". fightline.com.com.
  6. ^ Cory Brady (March 26, 2009). "Anthony Pettis out, Bart Palaszewski in for WEC 40". fiveouncesofpain.com.
  7. ^ "WEC 43: Cerrone vs. Henderson on October 10 in San Antonio, Texas". MMAFrenzy.com. 2009-01-02. Retrieved 2009-08-29.
  8. ^ "Chris Horodecki signs with WEC, likely to meet Anthony Njokuani at WEC 45". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 25 October 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-22.
  9. ^ "Njokuani "comfortable" at WEC 45 while nabbing third-straight "Knockout of the Night"". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2009. Retrieved 20 December 2009.
  10. ^ "Njokuani vs. Roller, Page vs. Banuelos Complete WEC 48 Main Card". mmafrenzy.com. Archived from the original on 12 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  11. ^ "WEC 48: Aldo vs. Faber - Live Results and Commentary". BLOODYELBOW.com. 2010-04-24. Archived from the original on 26 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  12. ^ "Njokuani vs. Faaloloto slated for WEC 52 prelims". mmajunkie.com. 2010-10-07. Archived from the original on 2011-11-03.
  13. ^ "UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV". mmajunkie.com. October 28, 2010. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012.
  14. ^ "Edson Barboza vs. Anthony Njokuani targeted for UFC 128 in March". mmajunkie.com. December 28, 2010. Archived from the original on December 31, 2010.
  15. ^ "UFC 128: Post-Fight Bonuses Revealed". MMAWeekly.com. 2011-03-20. Retrieved 2019-03-23.
  16. ^ "Andre Winner vs. Anthony Njokuani in the Works for UFC 132 in July". MMAWeekly.com. 2011-04-14.
  17. ^ Morgan, John (July 20, 2011). "Anthony Njokuani vs. Paul Taylor targeted for UFC 138 in England". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  18. ^ Stupp, Dann (November 1, 2011). "UFC 138 loses Taylor-Njokuani; Diabate-Perosh promoted to main card". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on November 3, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
  19. ^ Martin, Damon (November 12, 2011). "Anthony Njokuani vs. Ramsey Nijem Agreed for UFC 141". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  20. ^ "Ramsey Nijem out, Danny Castillo in against Anthony Njoukani at UFC 141". MMAjunkie.com. December 7, 2011. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
  21. ^ "UFC 145; seven bouts shift to Atlanta". mmajunkie.com. January 20, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  22. ^ "Anthony Njokuani vs. Paul Taylor added to UFC on FUEL TV 4". mmajunkie.com. April 27, 2012. Archived from the original on April 30, 2012.
  23. ^ Martin, Damon (May 22, 2012). "Paul Taylor Out of UFC on Fuel 4". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  24. ^ "Anthony Njokuani's very, very broken hand". mixedmartialarts.com. July 25, 2012.
  25. ^ "UFC on FOX 7 adds Njokuani-Bowling". mmajunkie.com. February 7, 2013.
  26. ^ "Paul Taylor returns, meets Anthony Njokuani at UFC Fight Night 30 in Manchester". mmajunkie.com. August 9, 2013. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  27. ^ "Al Iaquinta replaces Paul Taylor, faces Anthony Njokuani at UFC Fight Night 30". mmajunkie.com. 19 September 2013. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013.
  28. ^ Staff. "Injury knocks Anthony Njokuani out of UFC Fight Night 30 bout with Al Iaquinta". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
  29. ^ Staff. "Piotr Hallman replaces Njokuani, meets Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 30". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-26.
  30. ^ Matt Erickson (2014-03-18). "Anthony Njokuani meets Vinc Pichel at UFC 173 in May in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-03-18.
  31. ^ Staff (2014-09-04). "Daron Cruickshank meets Anthony Njokuani at UFC Fight Night 54 in Halifax". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-09-04.
  32. ^ Shaun Al-Shatti (2014-12-03). "Anthony Njokuani signs with Legacy FC following UFC release". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-12-03.
  33. ^ Dann Stupp (2014-12-03). "After UFC release, Anthony Njokuani booked for Legacy FC 38". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-12-03.
  34. ^ "Lion Fight 34 Results and Highlights". FightNewswire.com. 2017-02-03. Retrieved 2017-02-03.
  35. ^ "Anthony Njokuani Shocks Andy Souwer To Earn His Biggest Win". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 2018-10-07. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  36. ^ "Regian Eersel Stops Anthony Njokuani With Stunning Knockout". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 2019-02-22. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  37. ^ "Anthony Njokuani to appeal decision of ONE Championship kickboxing bout against Regian Eersel". The Body Lock. 2019-02-22. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  38. ^ "Gamebred Fighting Championship 3 Results". MMA Sucka. 2021-12-18. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
  39. ^ "Eagle FC 44 adds two bouts, including Raimond Magomedaliev vs. Anthony Njokuani". MMA Junkie. 2022-01-11. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  40. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2022-01-28). "LIVE! Eagle FC 44 Results & Streaming Updates". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  41. ^ Heck, Mike (2023-04-21). "Roy Nelson vs. Dillon Cleckler headlines Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle event on May 5". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  42. ^ "Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA live stream, results: Roy Nelson vs. Dillon Cleckler". MMA Junkie.
  43. ^ Blackett, Todd. "Fabricio Werdum And Junior Dos Santos Set For Bare Knuckle MMA Rematch". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  44. ^ Newswire, MMA Fighting (2023-09-08). "Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA Results: dos Santos vs. Werdum". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-09-17.
  45. ^ "UFC 128: Post-Fight Bonuses Revealed". MMAWeekly.com. 2011-03-20. Retrieved 2019-03-23.
  46. ^ "Mixed Martial Arts: MMA News, Fighters, Events, Forum". The Underground.
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