Matheus Nicolau vs. Manel Kape – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. In this matchup on the fight card, Matheus Nicolau will take on Manel “StarBoy” Kape in the Flyweight bout. You can view the complete UFC Fight Night card.

Nicolau brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 66″ reach. In contrast, Kape, an southpaw fighter, stands with a 68″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 53% striking accuracy, Nicolau has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 3.66 per minute. On the other hand, Kape boasts a 54% striking accuracy, landing approximately 5.12 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Matheus Nicolau vs. Manel Kape matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 31-year-old, Matheus Nicolau is coming in with a 19-4-1 record. Nicolau will be fighting for the first time since a loss via KO/TKO against Brandon Royval at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen in April.

Kape, meanwhile, is coming off a unanimous decision win against Matheus Nicolau on April 15, 2023, at UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland and holds a 19-6-0 record.

Matheus Nicolau has a orthodox fighting stance with an 66″ reach. The 30-year-old Manel Kape is an southpaw fighter with a 68″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Matheus Nicolau stats

→ Nicolau’s striking accuracy is 53%.
→ Nicolau lands 3.66 significant strikes per minute.
→ Nicolau’s takedown accuracy is 45%.
→ Nicolau’s takedown average is 1.48 per 15 minutes.
→ Nicolau’s takedown defense is 93%.

Nicolau comes in with 53% striking accuracy, typically landing about 3.66 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Kape fires at 54% accuracy, landing about 5.12 significant strikes per minute. Matheus Nicolau also has a 45% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 1.48 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Kape’s 0.65 takedowns and 77% takedown accuracy.

Manel Kape stats

→ Kape’s striking accuracy is 54%.
→ Kape lands 5.12 significant strikes per minute.
→ Kape’s takedown accuracy is 37%.
→ Kape’s takedown average is 0.65 per 15 minutes.
→ Kape’s takedown defense is 77%.

Manel spent, on average, 11:28 minutes in the Octagon, and Matheus has an average fight time of 11:14 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an interesting clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Matheus or Manel? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC Fight Night fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2023, and latest MMA news.