ABU DHABI – UFC 308 marked a pair of recent experiences for Kennedy Nzechukwu.
Nzechukwu (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) made his divisional debut Saturday at heavyweight as he defeated Chris Barnett (23-9 MMA, 2-3 UFC) by way of first-round TKO at Etihad Area on Yas Island.
The battle ended due partially to an harm to Barnett’s leg, however Nzcehukwu was nonetheless completely happy to easily get his ft moist in his new aggressive body.
“It was since my medical doctors informed me that with my body, my organs had been going to harm me in the long term,” Nzechukwu informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “I used to be vomiting each time throughout battle week. Simply chopping that final 10 kilos was killing me. I stroll round at 245. Simply chopping that 40 kilos is an excessive amount of. I exploit totally different nutritionists and it simply wasn’t working. The final three days had been hell, so we determined to go up in weight. It simply felt higher right here.”
Nzechukwu, who beforehand wanted to hit 206 kilos on the dimensions at mild heavyweight, weighed in at 241 kilos at Friday’s weigh-ins. Nzechukwu stated his focus was on energy coaching throughout this camp, which he did principally with a brand new coach, Steven Wright, of Struggle Room MMA in Forth Value, Texas. Nzcheukwu’s longtime coach Sayif Saud, of Fortis MMA, additionally cornered him for Saturday’s battle.
“I simply needed to concentrate on my talent set,” Nzechukwu stated. “Athleticism can solely take you up to now on this sport. So simply upgrading. That’s once I moved to Struggle Room. That’s my coach proper there, Steven Wright. He’s been serving to me. We’ve been making great leaps and bounds. I’m simply grateful for God.”
“… I simply wanted to improve. I wanted somebody who’s nerdy in regards to the putting recreation. Ask coach Steve and he simply is aware of it. He’s been coaching and trains with loads of totally different Dutch fighters, Thai fighters. He simply has developed loads of expertise over time. I simply want to soak up all that.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 308.
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Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Chris Barnett at UFC 308: Greatest pictures from Abu Dhabi
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