Flyweight action on the UFC Columbus preliminary card saw Matheus Nicolau paired up with David Dvorak.
Nicolau had won the first two fights of his second UFC stint, after falling victim to the promotion nearly dropping the weight class a few years back. Combined with that first run, he was 5-1 inside the octagon, and on a four-fight win streak overall.
Dvorak’s 16-fight win streak, with the last three coming under the UFC banner, left him as one of the hottest 125lb fighters on the planet heading into UFC Columbus.
Both flyweights took the center of the octagon after a touch of gloves. Nothing happened for the first two minutes, however, and the crowd let them have it. Dvorak finally landed a punch. Less than half the round remaining, and both men threw a punch but hit nothing. Dvorak threw a punch, and Nicolau landed a counter left that woke Dvorak up. Both fighters clinched but broke shortly after. Dvorak landed a low kick. The round ended with a spinning kick attempt by Dvorak.
Round two started with a jab from Dvorak. A calf kick landed from Dvorak, and Nicolau tripped. A front kick from Dvorak landed, followed by a jab from Nicolau and a counter left by Dvorak. Three minutes left, and Nicolau landed a calf kick. Both fighters engaged and landed combinations. Nicolau landed a straight right and then a heavy punch that hurt Dvorak. Dvorak threw a kick but nothing came of it. Nicolau landed a left hook and dropped Dvorak. Nicolau pounced on Dvorak and landed a little bit of ground and pound. The rounded ended with Nicolau on top of Dvorak.
💥 @NicolauMatheus w/ the strong 2nd round #UFCColumbus pic.twitter.com/QxUf5gPrY3
— UFC (@ufc) March 26, 2022
Round three opened with a body punch from Nicolau. Nicolau landed a step in left hook and rocked Dvorak. Nicolau landed another punch that hurt Dvorak. Dvorak tried to clinch and take Nicolau’s back but Nicolau defended. A takedown attempt from Nicolau was stuffed. Nicolau tried for a takedown, but Dvorak defended and ended up on top. Nicolau tried for a kneebar and then heel hook, but Dvorak reversed and ended up on top. The fight ended with Dvorak on top of Nicolau.
Going to the scorecards, all three judges saw it the same: 29-28 for Nicolau. Matheus Nicolau is now on a four-fight win streak and perfect in his return to the promotion. Oh, and he just snapped Dvorak’s 16-fight win streak. He’s likely to get a significant step up next time out.
Official Result: Matheus Nicolau def. David Dvorak via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
