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 Enviornment on Yas Island.
The combat ended due partly to an damage to Barnett’s leg, however Nzcehukwu was nonetheless pleased to easily get his toes moist in his new aggressive body.
“It was since my docs informed me that with my body, my organs have 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 combat week. Simply reducing that final 10 kilos was killing me. I stroll round at 245. Simply reducing that 40 kilos is an excessive amount of. I exploit completely different nutritionists and it simply wasn’t working. The final three days have 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 size at gentle heavyweight, weighed in at 241 kilos at Friday’s weigh-ins. Nzechukwu mentioned his focus was on energy coaching throughout this camp, which he did largely with a brand new coach, Steven Wright, of Warfare Room MMA in Forth Value, Texas. Nzcheukwu’s longtime coach Sayif Saud, of Fortis MMA, additionally cornered him for Saturday’s combat.
“I simply needed to concentrate on my talent set,” Nzechukwu mentioned. “Athleticism can solely take you up to now on this sport. So simply upgrading. That’s after I moved to Warfare Room. That’s my coach proper there, Steven Wright. He’s been serving to me. We’ve been making super leaps and bounds. I’m simply grateful for God.”
“… I simply wanted to improve. I wanted somebody who’s nerdy concerning the hanging recreation. Ask coach Steve and he simply is aware of it. He’s been coaching and trains with plenty of completely different Dutch fighters, Thai fighters. He simply has developed plenty of expertise through the years. I simply want to soak up all that.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 308.
You should definitely go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.
