Nicolau and Almabaev Headline UFC Apex Event

The UFC returns to the Apex in Las Vegas this Saturday, featuring a highly-anticipated matchup between two top flyweights. Matheus Nicolau, who previously headlined a UFC main event, finds himself in the spotlight again as he faces Kazakhstan‘s top flyweight prospect, Asu Almabaev. The event promises to bring action and intrigue with a host of compelling bouts on the preliminary card.

Nicolau, holding a record of 19 wins, four losses, and one draw, has seen a dip in momentum following two consecutive knockout defeats to Brandon Royval and Alex Perez. Previously considered a championship contender, Nicolau’s style, characterized by patience and counter-strikes, has recently been exploited by opponents using size and consistent pressure against him.

Asu Almabaev, boasting a fight record of 20 wins and two losses, has quickly climbed the UFC ranking ladder with a series of impressive victories. Currently ranked 14th, Almabaev’s fighting style is predominantly grappling-heavy, leveraging his wrestling prowess to gain advantage over opponents. His three wins in the UFC thus far have showcased his ability to control fights on the ground, amassing a total of 17 takedowns and six submission attempts.

This matchup between Nicolau and Almabaev presents an intriguing challenge for both fighters. Nicolau must navigate Almabaev’s wrestling expertise, a facet of the game he has not encountered frequently in recent fights. Conversely, Almabaev will be tested by Nicolau’s striking capabilities and strategic experience within the octagon. Despite Nicolau’s recent setbacks, Almabaev enters the bout as the favorite, given his undefeated UFC streak.

The event also features several other compelling matchups, including bantamweight Brad Katona looking to solidify his status as a rising prospect, and former strawweight title challenger Jessica Penne making her return to the octagon. Heavyweight Chase Lane aims to rebound from his previous performance, adding to the night’s potential excitement.

This fight card serves as a crucial juncture for the contestants, offering opportunities to climb the rankings and stake a claim for future title contention in their respective categories. The action begins with the preliminaries at 4 PM ET, followed by the main card at 7 PM ET, live on ESPN+.