This week’s Cotender Series outing features Tafon Nchukwi, in a fight that a lot of MMA fans will be very curious to see. If you’re not fully familiar with Nchukwi, consider this: Just a week ago, William Knight, who was on a developmental deal with the UFC, fought his way into the promotion with a win on DWCS. Knight improved 8-1, and that lone loss happens to be to Nchukwi, on the first fight of Knight’s developmental deal.
Thing is, Tafon has not fought since that win, which came last November. Still, big things are expected of the light heavyweight, with the 205lb division badly in need of fresh blood.
That’s just one of five compelling bouts this week, so let’s get right to our preview and predictions.
Light Heavyweight: Tafon Nchukwi vs. Al Matavao
Tale of the Tape
25-years-old
6’0″
Team Llyod Irvin
Hyattsville, Maryland, US but from Bamenda, Cameroon
3-0
26-years-old
5’8″
Legacy Jiu-Jitsu
Nu’uuli, Alaska
8-2
Pros and Cons
Tafon Nchukwi
Pros
- Good clinch work
- Good elbows
- Physically strong
- Excellent muay thai
- Good knees
Cons
- Unknown
Al Matavao
Pros
- Knockout power
- Scrappy
- Good uppercut
Cons
- Poor TDD
- Very wild
- Subpar grappling defense
- Will overreach with his strikes
- Poor cardio
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Nchukwi
Speed: Nchukwi
Output/Volume: Nchukwi
Knockout Power: Nchukwi
Chin: Nchukwi
Kickboxing: Nchukwi
Footwork: Nchukwi
Wrestling: Neither
Grappling: Neither
Submissions: Neither
Cardio: Nchukwi
Prediction
Although Al Matavao has much more pro experience than Tafon Nchukwi, this is a big mismatch in favor of Nchukwi. The fight will most likely stay standing and in every aspect, Tafon has the advantage. What really stands out has got to be the physicality of Nchukwi. Matavao is a very small 205lb’er standing at 5’8″. That makes him even smaller than Kelvin Gastelum. I expect Tafon to bully Al Matavao around on DWCS and put him away quickly.
