Get to know light heavyweight prospect Tafon Nchukwi before his CFFC 80 bout this Friday. Nchukwi is looking to spoil the plans of UFC development deal owner William Knight.
Light heavyweight Tafon Nchukwi (2-0) will be in action this Friday under the Cage Fury banner, and when he enters the cage, he’ll be facing off with a high-profile prospect. William Knight earned himself a developmental deal on the Contender Series, and won his first post-DWCS fight back in September. Now, he’ll go up against Nchukwi, who looks to derail his fellow undefeated prospect.
First of all, how did you get into MMA?
I saw a thirty-day free trial AD come up on my computer and I was looking for something to do to stay active.
How did you get the nickname “Da Don”?
Most times I tell someone my name and they try pronouncing it, they always go straight Teflon or tell me about a mafia boss named Teflon Don. So when it came time to put in my nickname I just took the Don part and replaced The with Da cause why not.
Do you have any background in any other sports? If so, explain?
I played soccer, two years of football, one year of baseball, and one year of wrestling in high school.
What is your career or would MMA be your full-time job?
Security officers and the best uber driver in the DMV
Who are you currently training with and who are some of your main sparring partners?
I train with Team Lloyd Irvin in Camp springs MD. I train with Ron Stallings, Shelton Graves, Sodiq Yusuf, Peter Petties, and Ricardo Mixco.
List of accomplishments such as titles, belt ranks, etc…?
WKA ×2 2016 National champion, WKA ×2 2017 national champion, WKA ×2 2016 World champion, RFS heavyweight champion. Also, a Jiu-jitsu blue belt and a 2017 IBJJF PAN Silver medalist.
What are your favorite striking and grappling techniques?
Just these paws.
You’re set to fight UFC development deal winner William Knight. What are your thoughts being picked against Knight, what you think of him as an opponent, and how do you see this fight playing out?
I am really excited about this opportunity. I think he is a tough opponent but I see me finishing this fight in the first round.
Talk about your culture like where you’re from and where you live now?
I was born in Southern Cameroon and now living in temple hills MD.
If you weren’t fighting today where would you be?
If I wasn’t fighting I would most likely be in the criminal justice field.
Other than Knight, is there anyone on the regional scene you have your eyes on?
Other than Knight, any others in the regional scene who wants this smoke can catch these paws. I don’t have anyone else in particular.
Last question. Why do you fight and who do you fight for?
I fight because I see it leading me and my family to a much better future. Also, using my platform as a fighter to shine a light on the injustice being committed to my brothers and sisters back home who are fighting for independence.
