Matheus Nicolau, headlining UFC Vegas 91, has expressed willingness to serve as a backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 301 event, despite acknowledging the physical strain of cutting weight twice in one week.
Matheus Nicolau is the star of the show at UFC Vegas 91. This event is happening just a week before Alexandre Pantoja, the UFC champ, defends his flyweight title against Steve Erceg at UFC 301. Nicolau’s got his eyes set on the Rio de Janeiro event, ready to step in as a backup if needed.
He’s up against Alex Perez in UFC Vegas 91’s main event. Nicolau admits to MMA Fighting that dropping to 125 pounds twice in a week isn’t the smartest move, health-wise. But, it could catapult him to the top of the division.
“If the UFC calls, we’re in,” Nicolau said. “It’d be tough, but doable [to make weight again on May 3]. Not the brightest idea, though. Honestly, I’d do it hoping nothing goes wrong [with Erceg] and I don’t have to fight. Cutting weight twice in a week? That’s rough on the body, metabolism, the works. But if the UFC offers me that chance, I can’t say no. Sometimes, to fight for the belt, you gotta take risks and seize the opportunity.”
As of now, UFC hasn’t revealed a backup plan for UFC 301’s championship bout. There were whispers about Brandon Royval possibly being the backup, but that didn’t pan out. Nicolau, a Rio de Janeiro native who also trains there, thinks landing that spot could get him a shot against the UFC 301 main event winner.
Nicolau’s recent defeat to Royval broke a six-fight winning streak. This streak included wins over big names like Manel Kape, Tim Elliott, and Matt Schnell.
“Did you make me cut weight for nothing? At least give me a title shot after,” Nicolau joked. “The title fight being so close to mine puts me on the same timeline as the champ. That’s a plus, no doubt.”
Nicolau’s betting on Pantoja to keep his flyweight title in Rio de Janeiro. But he warns his old teammate that Erceg isn’t someone to underestimate.
Erceg’s coming into the fight with a 12-1 pro record. He’s 3-0 since joining UFC in June 2023, climbing the ranks with victories over David Dvorak, Alessandro Costa, and Matt Schnell.
“Just because he’s ranked No. 10 doesn’t mean he’s an easy fight,” Nicolau warned about Erceg. “He’s tough, hungry, and ready to give it his all. He’s a threat on his feet and in grappling, and he’s big for the division. He seems strong for the division too, so Pantoja’s definitely got a big challenge ahead. But I’m rooting for Pantoja.”
A win against Perez could put Nicolau in the title discussion. Perez is a tough opponent, despite coming into the cage on a three-fight losing streak. He’s lost to Deiveson Figueiredo, Pantoja, and Muhammad Mokaev.
“Perez is super tough,” Nicolau said. “I see him, like all my opponents, as the most important and difficult fight of my life. Despite his last three losses, they were against tough guys, including the champ. His last one was against Mokaev, a rising star, and he managed to hold off his grappling. Some folks think he won.
“He’s a dangerous guy, and a great challenge for my first five-round fight. I’ve always wanted a five-round main event before a title fight. It suits my style. I’m a patient guy who can take time to build to victory. Plus, being the main event means more spotlight, more attention. That’s key for a title fight. I’m super pumped and ready for this challenge.”