Verdict's Sleeper Fight of the Week: Nzechukwu vs. Barnett
This Saturday, the UFC heads to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi to host an outstanding pay-per-view card. The entire card is filled with fascinating matchups, ranked fighters, and rising stars. Although the main card is outstanding, there are plenty of excellent fights on the prelims. The most interesting of these matchups might just be Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Chris Barnett, two opponents with an eight-inch difference in height and reach.
This fight takes place in the Heavyweight (265 lbs.) division.
Kennedy Nzechukwu has a professional record of 12-5-0 and has won three of his last five fights. He has UFC victories over Carlos Ulberg, Ion Cutelaba, and Devin Clark.
Chris Barnett has a professional record of 23-8-0 and has won three of his last five bouts. He has UFC victories over Gian Villante and Jake Collier.
Nzechukwu has big-time power in both hands and loves to hang in the pocket and throw heavy hooks. He’s a massive fighter at 6’5” and seemingly always has a significant reach advantage. Despite his length, he won’t typically spend much time at a distance, preferring to let his hands go inside the pocket. Nzechukwu prefers power to volume, constantly looking to close the distance and land a knockout blow. Training at Fortis MMA, he is exceptionally durable and has gotten himself out of some very tough spots, both on the feet and ground. With seven of his nine finishes coming in round 2 or later, he can be a bit of a slow starter but improves as the fight continues.
Barnett is a wild, exciting striker with a diverse kicking game and surprising explosiveness. He has solid footwork and head movement but is always willing to close the distance and brawl inside the pocket. Training at Hardcore Gym, he’ll constantly blitz forward to either unload quick, precise shots or extend long combinations, often dipping his head before unloading hooks and overhands. Barnett is a 3rd dan black belt in Taekwondo and can fire impressive, flashy kicks, even earning a spinning wheel kick KO in his second UFC appearance. Although he hasn’t attempted a takedown in his promotional tenure, he has a background in judo and wrestling and is a capable grappler. He has solid cardio and is comfortable in any kind of fight, whether it's a slower-paced, more technical bout or a wild brawl.
This is a fight you definitely won’t want to miss.
