Career Timeline of Chidi Njokuani: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Chidi Njokuani made an impact.

Chidi Njokuani is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. With a professional career dating back to 2007, he has fought in various organizations, including Bellator MMA, RFA, Tachi Palace Fights, and Legacy FC. Njokuani also has a background as a Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Turned professional

In 2007 Chidi Njokuani turned professional after around fifteen amateur Muay Thai fights, came to prominence competing in the -80.7 kg/178 lb division for the Oklahoma Destroyers in the team-based World Combat League kickboxing.

2007: Chidi Njokuani Started Professional Career

In 2007, Chidi Njokuani started his professional career as a mixed martial artist, Muay Thai fighter, and kickboxer.

April 25, 2009: First Muay Thai Loss

On April 25, 2009, Chidi Njokuani suffered his first professional Muay Thai loss to Joe Schilling at Dominant Knockout 1 in Irving, Texas.

July 30, 2011: Defeated Edwin Aguilar

On July 30, 2011, Chidi Njokuani rebounded from a previous loss with a UD win over Edwin Aguilar under Oriental kickboxing rules at Kickboxing Empire I in Las Vegas, Nevada.

November 19, 2011: Defeated Ken Tran

On November 19, 2011, Chidi Njokuani defeated Ken Tran with a second-round knockout at Lion Fight: Battle in the Desert 4 in Las Vegas.

2012: Signed with Resurrection Fighting Alliance

In 2012, after compiling a 7-3 record, Chidi Njokuani signed with the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA).

September 29, 2013: Controversial Draw with Simon Marcus

On September 29, 2013, Chidi Njokuani fought to a controversial majority draw with Simon Marcus at Push Kick Promotions: Muay Thai World Stand Off 5 in Las Vegas, which led to a heated confrontation between Marcus and Chidi's brother Anthony backstage.

June 2015: Signed with Bellator MMA

In June 2015, Chidi Njokuani signed with Bellator MMA.

November 20, 2015: Bellator Debut Against Ricky Rainey

On November 20, 2015, Chidi Njokuani made his Bellator MMA debut against Ricky Rainey at Bellator 146, winning by unanimous decision.

June 17, 2016: Won Against Thiago Jambo

On June 17, 2016, Chidi Njokuani won against Thiago Jambo at Bellator 156 via knockout due to a combination of body kick and punches.

December 3, 2016: Knockout Victory Over Andre Fialho

On December 3, 2016, Chidi Njokuani defeated undefeated prospect André Fialho at Bellator 167 via knockout just 21 seconds into the first round.

January 27, 2017: Won Against Melvin Guillard

On January 27, 2017, Chidi Njokuani won against Melvin Guillard in the main event at Bellator 171 by unanimous decision.

August 25, 2017: Lost to Andrey Koreshkov

On August 25, 2017, Chidi Njokuani faced former Bellator welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 182 and lost in the first round via a combination of punches and elbows.

December 1, 2017: Won Against Hisaki Kato

On December 1, 2017, Chidi Njokuani moved up to Middleweight and faced Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189, winning by unanimous decision.

November 30, 2018: Lost to John Salter

On November 30, 2018, Chidi Njokuani was scheduled to face Melvin Manhoef but faced John Salter at Bellator 210 instead, losing the bout via submission in the first round.

July 12, 2019: Lost to Rafael Carvalho and Released from Bellator

On July 12, 2019, Chidi Njokuani faced Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 224 in a 190-pound Catchweight bout and lost by unanimous decision, subsequently being released from the promotion.

September 11, 2020: Won Against Cristhian Torres in LFA Debut

On September 11, 2020, Chidi Njokuani made his Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) debut against Cristhian Torres at LFA 91, winning by second-round technical knockout.

September 7, 2021: Secured UFC Contract

On September 7, 2021, Chidi Njokuani faced Mario Sousa on Dana White's Contender Series 38 and won the bout in the third round via ground and pound elbows, securing a UFC contract.

February 5, 2022: UFC Debut Victory and Performance of the Night

On February 5, 2022, Chidi Njokuani made his UFC debut against Marc-André Barriault at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland and won via knockout in round one, earning the Performance of the Night award.

May 21, 2022: Consecutive Performance of the Night Award

On May 21, 2022, Chidi Njokuani faced Duško Todorović at UFC Fight Night 206 and won via knockout due to an elbow at the end of the first round, earning him a second consecutive Performance of the Night award.

September 17, 2022: Fight of the Night Award

On September 17, 2022, Chidi Njokuani faced Gregory Rodrigues at UFC Fight Night 210 and lost the fight via technical knockout in round two, though he earned the Fight of the Night award.

March 25, 2023: Lost to Albert Duraev

On March 25, 2023, Chidi Njokuani faced Albert Duraev at UFC on ESPN 43 and lost the fight via split decision.

August 26, 2023: Lost to Michał Oleksiejczuk

On August 26, 2023, Chidi Njokuani faced Michał Oleksiejczuk at UFC Fight Night 225 and lost the bout via first round ground and pound TKO stoppage.

March 30, 2024: Won Against Rhys McKee

On March 30, 2024, Chidi Njokuani faced Rhys McKee at UFC on ESPN 54 and won the fight via split decision.

October 12, 2024: Victory Against Jared Gooden

On October 12, 2024, Chidi Njokuani faced Jared Gooden at UFC Fight Night 244. Gooden missed weight, was fined, and Njokuani won the fight by unanimous decision.

March 15, 2025: Victory Against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

On March 15, 2025, Chidi Njokuani faced Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC Fight Night 254. Njokuani missed weight, was fined, and won the fight by technical knockout.