UFC Vegas 65: Kennedy Nzechukwu says ‘drastic changes’ occurred this fight camp (Video)

Kennedy Nzechukwu takes on Ion Cutelaba in a 205-pound matchup this Saturday at UFC Vegas 65.

Coming off a brutal knockout victory over Karl Roberson at UFC Vegas 58, Kennedy Nzechukwu appears to have significantly improved upon his skill set. According to Nzechukwu, and despite the impressive performance, he insists that he’s still transforming as a fighter.

“There’s a lot of drastic changes I’ve made in camp,“ said Nzechukwu told FanSided’s Amy Kaplan at UFC media day. “I’m just progressing, as far as skill-set wise. Back at the drawing board and perfecting my craft.”

Fortis MMA team is the key to Kennedy Nzechukwu’s improvements

The leaps that Nzechukwu has made should come as no surprise to MMA fans, seeing as he belongs to a Fortis MMA team that produces some seriously dangerous fighters. Look no further for an example than to his friend and training partner, Ryan Spann.

“He’s (Spann) the toughest guy. He’s been doing it since he was like 15 or16, so he’s acquired a huge amount of experience over the years,” said Nzechukwu. “I’m coming though. I give him a lot of problems at practice,” he laughed.

While Spann serves as a veteran role model for Nzechukwu at Fortis MMA, Nzechukwu serves a similar role for his up-and-coming teammate Tresean Gore, even offering up his home for Gore to stay at.

“I just felt like we have a similar connection, similar background, life stories, and we just connected that way,” said Nzechukwu. “So after my fight on July 9th, we both fought on the same card, and I just felt like I had to bring him in. We exchanged numbers and eventually, I spoke to my coach and he made the final decision of letting him in.”

Ahead of his matchup this Saturday at UFC Vegas 65 against Ion Cutelaba, Nzechukwu recognizes the danger that Cutelaba poses early on in the fight. This is a particular area where Nzechukwu has struggled in the past. However, he believes that he’s moved on from his previous slow-starting tendencies.

“So as far as the starting slow part, I’ve kind of fixed that a little bit more. Me and my coaches have been focusing a lot on starting quicker,” said Nzechukwu. “You can’t start slow, especially on a guy that comes in and he’s a fast starter like Ion. He’s gonna try to take you out. So, start quick and match his energy, and for sure he’s going to start to dwindle as time goes on.”

While Cutelaba is certainly a dangerous fighter, nothing about the matchup has Nzechukwu worried or shaken in confidence. This includes both the matchup itself, as well as any of the potential pre-fight antics that Cutelaba may have in store for him.

“I’m Nigerian so I’ve been scared since I was a toddler. Nothing can really scare me or spook me,” said Nzechukwu. “Regardless of what happens, it’s no ill will toward him. He’s just doing him, he’s being himself. The main thing is about the fight on Saturday.”

The proud Nigerian expressed his excitement about the UFC potentially bringing a fight card to Africa, specifically Nigeria. As much as he’d like to participate, Nzechukwu is focused on Saturday’s fight more so than a potential African UFC card. Still, he recognizes how special it would be to fight on that card.

“It’s awesome. I try to focus on the now. I don’t want to push things too far and try and overlook what I’m doing now,” said Nzechukwu. “Just live in the present, try to win, and accumulate those wins. And when that time comes and presents itself, I’ll be ready.”

UFC Vegas 65 takes place on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.