Chris Daukaus enjoying 'little walk down memory lane' in CFFC return but maintains UFC ambitions: 'You can definitely get back'

Former CFFC title challenger expecting fireworks against fellow UFC vet Tafon Nchukwi at CFFC 134.

Chris Daukaus knows exactly what's at stake when he returns to the CFFC cage for the first time since 2019.

After a frustrating end to an eight-fight UFC run – coming up short against some of the top names in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions – Daukaus is on a mission to rebuild, and it starts at CFFC 134, when he faces a man in a similar position in Tafon Nchukwi.

"It's always important to get a win, especially in MMA, but it's a little extra important, especially with me when you're coming off of four losses," Daukaus said. "He's coming off of three losses, so we're both in a position where we absolutely need a win, so it's going to be one hell of a fight because you've got two guys who need a win. 

"We both need wins to further our careers, and it's a great opportunity for both of us."

Daukaus (12-7 MMA, 4-2 CFFC) and Nchukwi (6-4 MMA, 2-0 CFFC) collide in the main event of CFFC 134, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Friday, August 16. Both men have a history of highlight-reel finishes in the CFFC cage, but Daukaus believes he's the more skilled fighter in the matchup.

"Tafon's a super-game guy, super-tough opponent – I just think that I'm a little bit better everywhere," Daukaus said. "My skillset on his skillset is pretty even, you know? He doesn't do anything crazy, like, stylistic-wise. He's not a super world-class wrestler. He's not a world-renowned kickboxer. He's not anything glaring like that, but one could say the same thing for me. I just think that stylistically, this matchup just plays in my favor a little bit more than it plays for him."

Daukaus knows one win might not be all it takes for him to earn an invitation back to the UFC, but he's willing to put in the work that will be required to rejoin the sport's top promotion. He'll also get the pleasure of making that journey alongside his brother, CFFC middleweight champion Kyle Daukaus, who has racked up four straight wins in the promotion following his own departure from the UFC.

"He's really the No. 1 constant in my life, and it's really good to have him, to be able to draw on him, because he's experiencing the same thing," Daukaus said of his brother. "He's experienced everything – the highest of highs and lowest of lows – and there's no one in life that you really can get any closer to than your brother, so I'm super thankful for him and super grateful for him."

Of course, Daukaus' support system extends beyond just his brother, and after enduring some tough results in facing the likes of perennial contenders Khalil Rountree Jr., Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis, he's seen the value of those who weren't simply hopping on a bandwagon during the better times, and it's driving him to be an improved version of himself when he steps into the cage for the first time in 12 months.

"The people who supported me throughout all the losses and everything, I'm just trying to show to them that it wasn't, like, a one-time thing; that their belief in me – and especially my family and super-close friends – that the belief that they've had is always there, and it's always a driving force," Daukaus said. "It's just to make those people that are there know that there's a reason why they continue to support us, and it's just to show all the hard work that you put in and that it's really all worth it."

When Daukaus steps into the cage at CFFC 134, it will be five years to the day since his previous outing for the organization, but the goal remains exactly the same as it was then. Sure, it will be fun to catch up with old friends and see a few familiar faces, but there is business to be done. The mountain was conquered before, and now he intends to do it again.

"It's great to go back," Daukaus said. "Obviously I've been there, been involved with the organization, whether it was through the FURY Grappling or cornering my brother, so it's really good to finally be strapping the gloves up again for them. It'll be, you know, a little walk down memory lane. 

"Getting a win is key. Really, I just need a win, and then obviously a finish. A stoppage would be ideal. Then it's just to show people that, you know, there's nothing wrong with my game. There's nothing outside of that I just fought four really good guys. Four of the top guys in each of their respective divisions, both heavyweight and 205. I'm just trying to get the win, and then we'll build from there."