Kennedy Nzechukwu mounted a comeback Saturday at UFC 288 in order to defeat Devin Clark in thrilling fashion.
In a light heavyweight prelim at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Nzechukwu (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) turned the tables on Clark (14-8 MMA, 8-8 UFC) to win by technical submission due to standing guillotine choke in the second round.
As he’s done often throughout his career, Nzechukwu overcame adversity to storm back and win. In the first round, Nzechukwu covered up after a stunning Clark punch. With his back up against the fence, Nzechukwu utilized the clinch to escape the onslaught and nearly finish Clark with repeated elbows.
Clark survived until the end of the round, but Nzechukwu’s clinch would once again prove successful in Round 2. When Clark shot for a takedown, Nzechukwu grabbed hold of his neck and squeezed. Clark attempted to hand-fight and escape, but no dice. Nzechukwu’s squeeze rendered him unconscious as he face-planted to the canvas.
NZECHUKWU PUT HIM TO SLEEP 😴 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/8WG6trHATJ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 7, 2023
Nzechukwu, 30, keeps rolling as he extends his winning streak to three. Clark, 33, falls to 2-2 in his most recent four.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 288 results include:
- Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Devin Clark via technical submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 2:28
- Khaos Williams def. Rolando Bedoya via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
- Virna Jandiroba def. Marina Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Parker Porter def. Braxton Smith via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:10
- Ikram Aliskerov def. Phil Hawes via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:10
- Claudio Ribeiro def. Joseph Holmes via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:21
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 288.
