Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Justin Tafa – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In this matchup on the fight card, Kennedy “African Savage” Nzechukwu will take on Justin “Bad Man” Tafa in the Heavyweight bout. You can view the complete UFC 308 card.

Nzechukwu brings a unique southpaw fighting stance with an 83″ reach. In contrast, Tafa, an southpaw fighter, stands with a 74″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 45% striking accuracy, Nzechukwu has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 5.13 per minute. On the other hand, Tafa boasts a 54% striking accuracy, landing approximately 4.09 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Justin Tafa matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 32-year-old, Kennedy Nzechukwu is coming in with a 12-5-0 record. Nzechukwu will be fighting for the first time since a loss via split decision against Ovince Saint Preux at UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs. Tybura in March.

Tafa, meanwhile, is coming off a unanimous decision loss against Kennedy Nzechukwu on March 16, 2024, at UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs. Namajunas and holds a 7-4-0 (1 NC) record.

Kennedy Nzechukwu has a southpaw fighting stance with an 83″ reach. The 30-year-old Justin Tafa is an southpaw fighter with a 74″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Kennedy Nzechukwu stats

→ Nzechukwu’s striking accuracy is 45%.
→ Nzechukwu lands 5.13 significant strikes per minute.
→ Nzechukwu’s takedown accuracy is 45%.
→ Nzechukwu’s takedown average is 0.6 per 15 minutes.
→ Nzechukwu’s takedown defense is 80%.

Nzechukwu comes in with 45% striking accuracy, typically landing about 5.13 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Tafa fires at 54% accuracy, landing about 4.09 significant strikes per minute. Kennedy Nzechukwu also has a 45% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 0.6 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Tafa’s 0 takedowns and 50% takedown accuracy.

Justin Tafa stats

→ Tafa’s striking accuracy is 54%.
→ Tafa lands 4.09 significant strikes per minute.
→ Tafa’s takedown accuracy is 0%.
→ Tafa’s takedown average is 0 per 15 minutes.
→ Tafa’s takedown defense is 50%.

Justin spent, on average, 6:00 minutes in the Octagon, and Kennedy has an average fight time of 9:37 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an entertaining clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Kennedy or Justin? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 308 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2024, and latest MMA news.