Danny Castillo defeats Anthony Njokuani by Split Decision. The judges scored the fight 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28.
Danny Castillo opened the first round looking for a takedown from way outside, Njokuani stepped away with ease. Castillo made a second attempt and completed the takedown. Njokuani stood up but gave up his back. Castillo took him for a ride and slammed him down. Njokuani stood up again with Castillo riding his back and throwing knees to his hamstrings. Castillo got the takedown and slowly moved to mount. Anthony stood up but Castillo was relentless with his pressure maintaining back control. Castillo rag dolled Njokuani to the mat and immediately looked for the rear naked choke. Njokuani spun out and took top position. Castillo stood up and was caught in a tight guillotine. He slammed Anthony Njokuani to break out of the hold. Njokuani regained his feet as the round came to an end.
Njokuani aggressive at the opening of the second round throwing kicks and punches. Unfortunately none of them landed with any power. Castillo shot for a takedown from way outside but was unable to complete it. When Castillo made another attempt Njokuani landed a knee to the jaw. Castillo dropped for a lazy takedown and got caught in a tight Muay Thai clinch. Njokuani landed several hard knees to the body before breaking the clinch. Castillo closed the distance and was staggered by a right hand. He completed the takedown and looked to regain his senses inside Anthony Njokuani’s guard. Njokuani pushed off and stood up only to get taken down again as the round came to a close.
Njokuani again aggressive at the open of the third round. Castillo unsuccessful on his first and second takedown attempts. He finally got the fight to the ground on his third attempt with a huge slam. Castillo held tightly to Njokuani to keep the fight on the ground when Anthony attempted to stand. Anthony stood and then rolled for a leg lock but wasn’t deep enough in the submission to control Castillo. Danny landed a knee on the way up. Njokuani threw an Anderson Silva-esque front kick but wasn’t within the proper range for it to connect. Castillo clinched against the fence with a minute remaining in the fight throwing knees to the hamstrings. Njokuani freed himself with 30 seconds left in the round but it was just too little too late to finish the fight.
Danny Castillo entered the fight 2-1 in the UFC and 12-4 in his career. He took the fight on short notice. Anthony Njokuani was 1-1 in the UFC and 14-5 in his career with 1 No Contest.
About the author
