Matheus Nicolau defeated Matt Schnell in their flyweight clash at UFC Orlando. The Brazilian flyweight knocked out Schnell with a clean counter to secure four wins out of his last four UFC bouts.
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Matheus Nicolau came into the fight riding a five-fight win streak. Matt Schnell came in as the underdog, winning only two out of his last five. In an interesting turn of events, he also shaved the hair off his head to make weight in his second attempt on the scales.
Fans react to Matt Schnell vs. Matheus Nicolau at UFC Orlando
Nicolau fared well from the beginning of the fight. The 29-year-old Brazilian flyweight had some impressive moments, dropping Schnell in the very first round. He caught Matt Schnell similarly in the second round and secured the win. With the win at UFC Orlando, Nicolau extended his win streak to six in a row.
The explosive finish earned him many commendations from fans and pros on social media.
That's 6 straight for the #6 flyweight in the world 💪
[ @NicolauMatheus | #UFCOrlando ] pic.twitter.com/KhdADieXXN— UFC (@ufc) December 4, 2022
Just increase pay 💰 by 50k per fight . Im tired of hearing fighters asks for bonuses . Not a good look !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 4, 2022
Nicolau caught him with right hand counter coming in behind the ear. Very bad damaging place. #UFCOrlando
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 4, 2022
With his current form, Nicolau could start making a case for a title shot in the future.
Matheus Nicolau has won four in a row since returning to the UFC and has been looking great.
He could be in the title picture with another win or two.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 4, 2022
However, Nicolau also revealed this was his last fight on the current contract, leaving many fans concerned about the explosive flyweight’s future.
After a tremendous finish, which was his 6th win in a row, Matheus Nicolau, reveals he fought out his contract. Obviously, UFC is the best spot for flyweights so you gotta think he’ll be back. He’s a player at 125.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 4, 2022
Matheus Nicolau says this was the last fight on his contract.#UFCOrlando
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) December 4, 2022
NICOLAU WAS FEROCIOUS TO THE FINISH 👊 #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/4AYgG4agup
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 4, 2022
Despite his contractual situation, Nicolau made it clear that his goal was to be the champion. “I always tell this but I think people still don’t realize I’m here to be champion of the world, you know? That’s my goal.”
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He further added, “That was my seventh UFC victory and I think I’m finally ready for my first bonus. I can feel my pockets heavy already.”
Speaking of his game plan, Nicolau said his team expected Schnell to come forward for a brawl. The #6 ranked flyweight said he was patiently waiting to pick his moment, which is exactly what he did.
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Schnell then revealed his contractual situation and wanted to see if he attracted the UFC’s interest with the win. He added the knockout would help maintain their interest and prove to the UFC that he was ready for big fights.
What did you think of Matheus Nicolau’s win? And what do you make of his contract situation? Do you think the UFC will re-sign the talented flyweight? Let us know in the comments below.
