Light Heavyweights
Kennedy Nzechukwu (6-0) vs. Paul Craig (10-3)Advertisement
At what point does Craig grow tired of this? The Scot is a mildly interesting fighter, but the UFC has been content to use him as its light heavyweight benchmark. Craig is not much of an overwhelming athlete, but he has a tricky submission game that has been on display in his two UFC wins, most notably a literal last-second tap of Magomed Ankalaev a little over a year ago. However, it seems like every raw and athletic prospect the UFC signs at light heavyweight -- which, given the nature of the division, is basically every prospect -- gets matched with Craig as a test to see how he handles someone who is technically competent. Again, Craig has managed to win a few, but due to his athletic limitations, he suffers a decent amount of abuse every time out. This time around, it is the same story. Step on up Nzechukwu.
Nzechukwu is emblematic of two different trends: the success that Dallas’ Fortis MMA has had bringing prospects to the UFC and the increasing number of Nigerian-born fighters who are working their way up the ranks. Nzechukwu is a two-time Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series alum, as he was much too raw for a contract in 2017 but came back for a one-sided win a year later. Nzechukwu is a lanky striker with some knockout power who has some impressive poise, but as with most prospects in heavier weight classes, he is also mostly untested, particularly when it comes to the grappling realm. With that said, “The African Savage” is a talent to watch, even if he is at the mercy of the UFC’s matchmaking.
This is rinse and repeat from most of Craig’s UFC fights. There is some potential for him to get inside and start working his grappling, but he is probably not explosive or strong enough to impose his will unless his opponent makes a big mistake. Nzechukwu’s wrestling and submission skills are enough of a question mark that the avenue to victory is there, but if nothing else, the Nigerian is a patient enough striker that he can probably keep this at a distance and dictate the terms of the fight. The pick is Nzechukwu via first-round knockout.
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