Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Chidi Njokuani Prediction: Can Oleksiejczuk Bounce Back at UFC Singapore?

Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Chidi Njokuani Prediction: Can Oleksiejczuk Bounce Back at UFC Singapore?

The earliest UFC card of the year is here, and it features an excellent prelim fight between Michael Oleksiejczuk and Chidi Njokuani. This is my favorite fight on the prelims, and it will probably take place around 6:30 a.m. EST. These two knockout artists prepare to clash in what promises to be an explosive fight that could be over quickly. While both fighters have the ability to turn the lights out with a single strike, a closer look at their styles and statistics gives us a clear winner of this fight.

Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Chidi Njokuani Date, Time, and Where to Watch

• Date: August 26, 2023
• Game Time: 6:30 am ET
• Where to Watch: ESPN+

Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Chidi Njokuani Prediction

Chidi "Chidi Bang Bang" Njokuani, age 34, brings a 2-2 UFC record to the table as he enters his fifth bout in the promotion. His initiation into the UFC was nothing short of spectacular, with two consecutive first-round knockout victories that left a lasting impression. However, Njokuani's path took a detour as he faced setbacks, succumbing to a second-round knockout and then a split-decision loss. Njokuani's striking power, particularly his kickboxing, stands as his most potent weapon. He has an extensive reach and a knack for striking from a distance. He often lures opponents into his preferred range, setting them up for devastating countershots.

On the opposite side of the octagon stands Michal "Hussar" Oleksiejczuk, a battle-tested warrior at 28 years old. Since his UFC debut in 2017, Oleksiejczuk has etched a 6-4-1 record, highlighted by five impressive knockout victories. While he is 6-4-1 in the UFC, he is 4-2 in his last six fights with three knockouts. The southpaw striker is a force to be reckoned with, displaying a love for aggressive starts and a relentless pursuit of his opponents. Oleksiejczuk's explosiveness into his opponents' space, accompanied by his body shots and left hooks, has often proved to be a recipe for success. His durability and clinch work round out a great fighter that could be a contender.

The more and more I look at this fight, the only way I see Michal losing is if he just stays at range and engages in a kickboxing affair with Chidi. However, Michal has never been a passive fighter or one who gives his opponent the fight they want, so I do not see this style of fight playing out. Instead, Michal will push the action, as he always does, and eliminate the reach advantage for Chidi. Chidi has a 7-inch reach advantage, but it will not matter when Michal closes the distance and makes this a fight in a phone booth. This will make Chidi uncomfortable and make him fight out of his comfort zone. Michal is improving every time he steps into the octagon, and the only style of fighter that has beaten him is wrestlers or grapplers, neither of which Chidi is. Michael will have the advantage no matter where this fight goes, and he will get his hand raised tomorrow morning.

Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Chidi Njokuani Pick

Pick: Michal Oleksiejczuk ML -120 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick

UFC Odds

• Click here for Oleksiejczuk vs. Njokuani odds
• Find all of Saturday's UFC Fight Night odds here