Matheus Nicolau secures split decision over Manel Kape
Manel Kape vs Matheus Nicolau
The UFC returns is back at it again, tonight March 13th when Leon Edwards will headline the event against fellow welterweight Belal Muhammad inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A ranked light-heavyweight affair between No. 11 Misha Cirkunov and No. 13 Ryan Spann will serve as the co-main event of the evening
In a flyweight scrap, Manel “Starboy” Kape is set to face off against TUF Brazil vet, Matheus Nicolau.
Manel Kape enters this bout looking to get back into the win column after coming up short in his UFC debut in February against Alexandro Pantoja. Kape garnered his attention and a plethora of experience overseas, where he was extremely successful with Rizen.
Matheus Nicolau, a veteran of TUF Brazil season 4 has had his ups and downs within the promotion. He previously fought within the organization from 2015-2018. Stringing together two decisive wins outside of the organization since departing from the UFC, Nicolau finds a chance for redemption as he steps back into the UFC octagon against Manel Kape.
Here is how the flyweight bout between Manel Kape and Matheus Nicolau went down at UFC Fight Night 187, including round-by-round scoring. For full event results, check them out right here.
Round 1:
Nicolau starts the bout with a heavy leg kick. Kape returns the favor with a kick to the body when Nicolau attempted to change levels. Kape lands a lead right hook to take an inside leg kick from Nicolau. Kape has Nicolau on his back foot thus far in the round, proving the aggressor. Nicolau is finally able to get the bout to the floor where he feels confident and looks to advance. He advances with short punches and creeps up to lock in a guillotine. Kape shakes it off to stand. “Starboy” jumps in for a knee and Nicolau secures another takedown. Kape postures for an armbar but Nicolau easily fends it off. Nicolau lands several punches to the body while in Kapes guard to secure points as the round closes.
MyMMANews scores round one for Matheus Nicolau. 10-9
Round 2:
Nicolau attempts a head kick that’s blocked. Kape lands a quick and tight uppercut that visibly hurts Nicolau, as he wobbles. Kape begins piecing his punches together increasingly. Nicolau looks to take it to the ground but Kape stands immediately. Kape, knowing his opponent is wounded is methodically taking his time to pick his shots, leaving minimal room for error. Kape has Nicolau on his back foot again while Nicolau is eating hard shots. Nicolau still hurt, shoots a desperate takedown that is fended easily fended off from Kape. Kape continues to take his time, picking his shots. Nicolau lands solid punches at random but nothing significant to hurt the more technical, Kape.
MyMMANews scores round two for Manuel Kape. 10-9
Round 3.
Kape is able to control the center of the cage early and dictating the speed of the fight. Nicolau comes from behind and lands a hard left hand upstairs followed by a right hook. Kape feels the damage and picks up the pace, returning Nicolau’s attempts with his own strikes. Nicolau shoots another nearly successful takedown that Kape narrowly fends off. With his grappling being nullified this round, Nicolau is heavy on his striking attacks, finding more and more success this round. With his hard punches landing, Nicolau is inching his way back into the fight. Kape finds success with a thudding knee and clips Nicolau upstairs. Nicolau stays as active as Kape with his technical striking as the final bell sounds
MyMMANews scores round three for Nicolau. 10-9
Official result: Matheus Nicolau defeats Manuel Kape via split decision.
(29-28) Kape, (29-28) Matheus Nicolau, (29-28) Matheus Nicolau
