What’s Next For Matheus Nicolau?

UFC Vegas 91 returned to the infamous APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, this past weekend (Sat., April 27, 2024), leaving several fighters feeling the post-fight blues. Among them was Ryan Spann, who was knocked out by Bogdan Guskov (see it again here).

And Austen Lane, who was knocked out by Jhonata Diniz in the second round o their Heavyweight fight (see it again here). And let’s not forget about Tim Means, who was knocked out by Uros Medic in the first round (highlights here). But, which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover, now a few days removed from the show?

Matheus Nicolau.

Coming into the event, Nicolau was preparing to face Manel Kape since the beginning of the year, but the fight was scrapped on two separate occasions. Therefore, a few weeks from fight night, Nicolau had to switch his focus over to Perez, who agreed to step in on short notice after Kape suffered a rib injury.

And while I am not saying Nicolau underestimated Perez, one might not blame him if he did. That’s because Perez had lost his last three fights, two via first round submission and was simply hadn’t looked good since his great run that earned him a title shot in 2020.

Unfortunately for Nicolau, Perez came in on his “A” game, eventually scoring a second round knockout win to get him back on track (see it again here). As for Nicolau. The loss is his second straight — both via knockout — after enjoying a six straight win streak, four inside the Octagon.

Currently ranked No. 5 in the Flyweight division, Nicolau will likely stumble a few spots, but he will still remain in the Top 10. As far as what could realistically be next for the Brazilian bruiser, perhaps a fight against Kai Kara France is in order because it may be the only one that makes sense.

Like Nicolau, France has lost his last two fights after getting knocked out by Brandon Moreno (watch highlights), and then losing a unanimous decision to Amir Albazi. Sure, France (and I’m not sure why) is still currently ranked No. 4 in the division, but since both men are struggling, let’s see who gets back on track and who suffers his third straight defeat.

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For complete UFC Vegas 91 results coverage and highlights click HERE.