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UFC Fight Night Predictions: Royval vs. Taira - Jared Gooden vs Chidi Njokuani Preview

On October 12, 2024, UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira features a welterweight showdown between Jared "Nite Train" Gooden and Chidi "Bang Bang" Njokuani at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. Gooden, riding the momentum of his recent victory, will face off against the dynamic and dangerous Njokuani. This welterweight clash promises fireworks, with both fighters possessing knockout power and a desire to make a statement in the UFC’s competitive welterweight division.

As always, KingPin Pro is your #1 source for MMA predictions and analysis. Check out my Dawson vs Garcia Article Prediction for more fight breakdowns from this event.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Chidi Njokuani

Chidi Njokuani (23-10-0) fights out of Janjira Muay Thai and has been a striking sensation with his devastating Muay Thai skills and knockout power. Standing at 6'3" with a 80-inch reach, Njokuani uses his height and range effectively, making him a difficult puzzle for many opponents. Despite coming off a couple of recent losses, Njokuani remains a dangerous striker, capable of finishing the fight at any moment.

Njokuani’s UFC career started strong with back-to-back first-round knockouts, but he’s hit a rough patch recently. His most recent win came via a split decision against Rhys McKee in March 2024. He will need to bring his best striking performance to this bout as he faces a tough, durable opponent in Gooden.

Jared Gooden

Jared Gooden (23-9-0), fighting out of X3 Sports, has proven to be a tough and gritty competitor with knockout power in his own right. Standing at 6'0" with a 77-inch reach, Gooden utilizes his striking and grappling to wear down his opponents. With 11 knockouts and 7 submissions, Gooden is a versatile fighter capable of finishing fights in multiple ways.

Gooden is coming off a submission victory over Wellington Turman in December 2023 and will look to build on that momentum. With a mixed record in the UFC, Gooden’s ability to push the pace and pressure his opponents will be key in this bout against Njokuani.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Chidi Njokuani

Njokuani is a striker at heart, utilizing his Muay Thai skills to keep opponents at range and pick them apart with kicks, elbows, and knees. His knockout power is evident, with 14 of his 23 wins coming by way of knockout. Njokuani excels at using his length to control distance and punish opponents with strikes as they try to close the gap.

However, Njokuani’s grappling has been a vulnerability. He has struggled against opponents who can take the fight to the ground, as shown in his recent losses by submission. Against Gooden, Njokuani will need to keep the fight standing to avoid being controlled on the ground.

Jared Gooden

Gooden is a well-rounded fighter with the ability to win fights both on the feet and on the ground. His knockout power is real, but his grappling skills are often underrated. With 7 submission victories on his record, Gooden is dangerous if the fight goes to the mat. His cardio and durability allow him to keep up a relentless pace throughout the fight, which can wear down his opponents.

Gooden’s strategy will likely involve closing the distance to neutralize Njokuani’s range and striking. If he can pressure Njokuani and mix in takedowns, he has a solid chance of controlling the fight and earning a decision or submission victory.

Recent Performances and Fight Analysis

Chidi Njokuani

Njokuani’s recent performances have been inconsistent. After two impressive knockout wins to start his UFC career, he has since lost three of his last four fights. His most recent bout against Rhys McKee was a close split decision win, but he struggled against top-tier opponents like Gregory Rodrigues and Michal Oleksiejczuk.

Njokuani’s striking will always be his strength, but his susceptibility to grappling-heavy fighters has been an issue. Gooden has the tools to exploit this weakness, making this an intriguing matchup of styles.

Jared Gooden

Gooden’s career has also seen ups and downs, but his recent submission victory over Wellington Turman showed that he is still a threat in the welterweight division. Gooden’s ability to mix up his striking and grappling makes him a tough challenge for any opponent. While he has faced setbacks, particularly against grapplers, his power and ground game remain potent weapons.

In this fight, Gooden will likely look to pressure Njokuani and force him into grappling exchanges where he can dominate. If Gooden can avoid Njokuani’s range and land his own strikes or takedowns, he has a clear path to victory.

Odds and Betting Information

Fight Outcome	Odds
Jared Gooden	+145
Chidi Njokuani	-175

Gooden enters the fight as a slight favorite, with odds of -125. Given Njokuani’s recent struggles and Gooden’s ability to pressure and grapple, these odds reflect the expectation that Gooden will have the upper hand if he can implement his game plan effectively.

Keys to Victory

Chidi Njokuani

• Use Striking to Control Distance: Njokuani must use his height and reach advantage to keep Gooden at bay. He needs to avoid getting drawn into grappling exchanges and land strikes from range.
• Defend Takedowns: Gooden will likely try to take the fight to the ground, so Njokuani’s takedown defense will be crucial. If he can keep the fight standing, his chances of winning improve dramatically.

Jared Gooden

• Pressure and Close the Distance: Gooden must close the distance and avoid letting Njokuani dictate the fight from range. If he can get inside and land takedowns or strikes in the clinch, he will have the advantage.
• Mix in Takedowns: Gooden’s grappling could be the difference in this fight. If he can take Njokuani down and control him on the mat, he will likely be able to secure a victory.

 

Prediction