Matheus Nicolau

Matheus Nicolau Pereira (born January 6, 1993) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who is currently competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has also competed in the Brave Combat Federation (Brave CF) and the Future FC. As of June 18, 2024, he is #10 in the UFC flyweight rankings.

Mixed martial arts career
Nicolau made his professional mixed martial arts debut in August 2010 at the age of 17. He compiled a record of 10-1-1, competing primarily for various regional promotions in Brazil before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter in early 2015.

The Ultimate Fighter
In March 2015, it was announced that Nicolau was one of the fighters selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4.

In his first fight on the show, Nicolau faced Mateus Vasco. He won the fight via submission (rear-naked choke) in the first round.

In the quarterfinals, Nicolau faced off against Reginaldo Vieira. He won the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds.

In the semifinals, Nicolau faced Dileno Lopes. He lost via unanimous decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Nicolau made his official debut for the promotion on November 7, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 77 where he faced fellow castmate Bruno Rodrigues. He won the fight submission in the third round.

Nicolau next faced John Moraga on July 8, 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale. He won the fight via split decision.

Nicolau was expected to face Ulka Sasaki on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 100. However Nicolau was pulled from the bout on November 3 after the USADA revealed a potential anti-doping violation from a sample that was taken October 13.

Nicolau faced Louis Smolka on December 30, 2017 at UFC 219. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nicolau faced Dustin Ortiz on July 28, 2018 at UFC on Fox 30. He lost the fight via knockout due to a head kick and follow-up punches in the first round.

In February 2019, news surfaced that Nicolau had been released from the UFC.

Future FC
After being released from the UFC, Nicolau signed with Brazilian mixed martial arts promotion Future FC where he fought in the bantamweight division. In his promotional debut he faced Alan Gabriel at Future FC 5 on May 24, 2019. He won the fight via anaconda choke.

In August 2019, it was also announced that Nicolau had signed with Brave CF, making his promotional debut against Felipe Efrain at Brave CF 25 on August 31, 2019. Nicolau won the fight via unanimous decision.

In February 2020, news surfaced that Nicolau would be participating in Brave CF Flyweight tournament. In the initial round, Nicolau was expected to face Jose Torres at Brave CF 35 on March 28, 2020. However, the event was postponed until a to-be-determined date due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Return to UFC
Nicolau was scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov on January 24, 2021 at UFC 257. However, Ulanbekov withdrew due to undisclosed reasons. The pairing was eventually rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 187. However, Ulanbekov withdrew from the bout the second time for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Manel Kape. He won the fight via controversial split decision. 21 out of 21 media members scored the fight for his opponent Kape.

Nicolau faced Tim Elliott on October 9, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 194. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nicolau faced David Dvořák on March 26, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 33. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Nicolau faced Matt Schnell on December 3, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 42. He won the bout via knockout in the second round.

Nicolau faced Brandon Royval on April 15, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 44. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Nicolau was scheduled for a rematch against Manel Kape on January 13, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 234. At the weigh-ins, Kape weighed in at 129.5 pounds, three and a half pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit, and the bout was cancelled. The pair was rescheduled for April 27, 2024 at UFC on ESPN 55. However, Kape withdrew for unknown reasons and he was replaced by Alex Perez. Nicolau lost the fight to Perez by knockout in the second round.