M. Nicolau has not performed for Ultimate since 2018. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Fired from Ultimate in 2018, with just one defeat in the organization, Matheus Nicolau is back. Returning after almost three years, the Brazilian will try to rewrite his history in the organization this Saturday (13), when he faces Manel kape, fur UFC Las Vegas 21. In an interview with 'Combate', the Minas Gerais native spoke with excitement about the new moment and the opportunity he received.
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“I’m more mature, more experienced. Even the fact that I left the UFC, that I continued to pursue my dreams, continued doing my daily work, training and seeking evolution, all of this prepared me to come back even better. I’m very happy, motivated, and ready to come back in style,” said Nicolau.
This weekend, Matheus will perform as a flyweight (up to 56,7kg). Seeking to be another big Brazilian name in the division, which today has Deiveison Figueiredo as champion, the athlete analyzed the current scenario of the group.
“(…) When I left (Ultimate) they warned that they were ending the (flyweight) category and sending all the athletes away. So much so that it didn't make sense for me to be sent away after my first defeat. But (Henry) Cejudo was the saint of the category. He beat (TJ) Dillashaw, moving down (division), and then moved up and won the (bantamweight) belt with good performances. This helped keep the flyweight category on the radar (…). I think the category is in its best phase. The UFC is paying a lot of attention, it has signed big names, we have seen a lot of cool fights in the category, so I think my return will be great,” he said.
Finally, Nicolau, who has not performed since August 2019, spoke about this Saturday's commitment. The Minas Gerais native will face the former RIZIN champion, Manel kape, who is looking for his first victory since arriving in the UFC.
“He is a very aggressive guy, strong in striking, has exclusive strikes, and a history of a lot of knockouts, however, his strong point is also his weak point. He looks for the fight a lot and sometimes when he comes to land the blow he often opens up a little. And he has a style that always makes the fight beautiful, so I think the fans will win. Our fight will definitely be really cool, and I'm really excited to put on a great show and come back in style”, he concluded.
At 28 years old, Nicolau will compete in his 19th professional MMA fight. Today, the Minas Gerais player has a record of 15 wins, two setbacks and one draw. For the UFC, the fighter has four commitments, with three wins and one loss.
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