Kennedy Nizechuk and Chris Barnett, UFC 308 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Youtube/UFC
Heavyweight Chris Barnett finally returned to action at UFC 308, taking on former light heavyweight talent Kennedy Nzechukwu at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Barnett, who has endured injuries and the tragic death of his wife in recent years, was scheduled to face Waldo Cortez-Acosta earlier this month, but was forced to leave the match as Hurricane Milton hit Tampa, where Barnett lives. I was forced to.
The height difference between the towering Nzechukwu and the relatively stocky Barnett was evident early on. Barnett tried to use a spin attack early on, landing an overhand right as Nzechukwu tried to move inside. Barnett incited a spinning kick upstairs two minutes later, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Nzechukwu fought in traditional style, going for the body but missing a head kick of his own to mix things up. Even more effective were kicks to the body, and Nzechukwu eased Barnett throughout round one. Barnett also appears to be favoring one leg, possibly suffering the same Achilles injury he suffered while off. Sensing Barnett was under the weather, Nzechukwu took him down while Barnett covered. He tried to turn around but couldn’t, his legs almost fell out and he grabbed his limbs and almost fell.
With the win, Kennedy Nzechukwu snapped a two-fight skid and improved to 7-5 inside the Octagon. Meanwhile, replays show Barnett favoring the leg immediately after the fighter introductions after jumping when Bruce Buffer called his name.
Official result: Kennedy Nizechuk def. Chris Barnett, round 1, 4:27 TKO
