Matheus Nicolau vs. Alex Perez: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Top ten flyweights MatheusNicolau of Brazil and American Alex Perez headline UFC on ESPN 55 at the Apex in a competitive matchup. Nicolau returns to the octagon for the first time in a year, while Alex Perez went the distance with Muhammad Mokaev last month. Both fighters will look to get back into the win column. For Perez, who was a late replacement for Manuel Kape on the fight card, a loss here will condemn him to a fourth straight defeat. Matheus Nicolau is the favorite ahead of Saturday night's fight in the US.

MMA: UFC Flyweight 

Where to Watch: ESPN/ESPN+

Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas 

Date: 28.04.2024 04:30

The number-five-ranked Flyweight is on a second stint in the UFC. Since his return in 2021, the 31-year-old has earned a 4-1 record. However, since his controversial win over Manuel Kape in 2021, both fighters have tried and failed to set up a rematch. Alex Perez was called up to replace Kape when the Portuguese withdrew from the headliner. On his return to the promotion, Nicolau won four straight fights before being KO'ed by title challenger Brandon Royval last year. The setback was a third professional loss of the BJJ black belt.

• Age: 31
• Height: 5'6"
• Weight: 125 lbs (57kg)
• Reach: 66"
• Record: 19-3-1

The 32-year-old American wrestler is 0-3 in his last three fights, but the record does not tell the whole story. Competing against top flyweight Deiveson Figueiredo for the championship, Alexandre Pantoja, and streaking Muhammad Mokaev, Alex Perez has not been scared of taking on tough opponents. The California-born all-American wrestler took Muhammad Mokaev to the distance last March and was scheduled to return to the Octagon in the summer against Tagir Ulanbekov before being called up to replace Manuel Kape. The number eight-ranked UFC flyweight debuted in the UFC in 2017.

• Age: 32
• Height: 5'6"
• Reach: 65"
• Weight: 125 lbs (57kg)
• Record: 24-7

Alex Perez is a 2.5 underdog on Bet365, while a decision for the favorite is priced at 3.20 odds. 1XBET lists over 4.5 at 2.08 odds and the total under available at 1.7. Betway has Nicolau by KO at 5.60 and the fight to go the distance at 2.49. Read more.