Matheus Nicolau vs Manel Kape: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Brazilian Matheus Nicolau clashes with Portuguese-Angolan Manel Kape on the main card of UFC Fight Night 234 in a massive flyweight rematch. The pairing first met in 2021, where they fought to a controversial split decision win for the Brazilian. Most media people at the fight thought Manel Kape had done enough to get the win. Matheus Nicolau comes into the rematch at the UFC Apex off a disappointing loss to Brandon Royval, while Kape is on a four-fight winning streak. Mane Kape is the clear favorite in the early odds.

MMA: UFC Flyweight 

Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas

Where to watch: ESPN+

Date: 14.01.2024. 05.00

The number five ranked flyweight is in his second stint in the UFC, having returned to the elite promotion in January 2021. The Brazilian has a UFC record of 7-2 across two stints, including victories over Manel Kape and Tim Elliot. The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4 cast member debuted in the UFC in 2015. Until his loss to Brandon Royval last April, the 30-year-old BJJ black belt's last loss was a 2018 setback to Dustin Ortiz. Matheus Nicolau's first-round knockout loss to Brandon Royval set him back as he progressed towards a title challenge.

• Age: 31
• Height: 5' 6"
• Reach: 66"
• Weight: 126 Ibs
• Record: 19-3-1(draw)

After dropping his first two fights in the UFC, Luanda-born Manel Kape has sewn together a four-match streak with two finishes and decisions. His controversial split decision loss to Matheus Nicolau in his sophomore UFC match was despite all the media members scoring the fight in his favor. That March 2021 loss came one month after a unanimous decision loss to current UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in a match that marked Kape's return to flyweight. The Angolan had competed at bantamweight while on the roster at Rizin, where he won the championship in 2019 with a TKO of Kai Asakura in what was a rematch. He had lost his first contest with the Japanese. "Starboy" is known for his evasive skills and striking in the cage.

• Age: 30
• Height: 5' 6"
• Reach: 68"
• Weight: 126 Ibs
• Record: 19-6

Matheus Nicolau is a 2.831 underdog on 1XBET. Taking Yes for the start of round three is at 1.52 odds on Betwinner, with the No available for 2.3. Bet365 prices the underdog at 3.00.