A showdown between the #6 and #7-ranked UFC flyweights saw Matheus Nicolau and Matt Schnell face off on the UFC Orlando main card.
Ahead of the fight, Schnell had been precariously close to missing weight, and shaved his head to hit the mark as a result. Even his body hair reportedly went in the effort.
As expected, Nicolau and Schnell were lightning-quick, with Schnell pressing forward early, and Brazil’s Nicolau on the outside. There wasn’t a ton of action in the opening two minutes, however, as Nicolau stayed mobile — and more importantly, out of range. Schnell looked to cut off the cage, while Nicolau darted in, fired a single punch, and just as quickly escaped.
Schnell’s corner, meanwhile, advised him not to listen to the crowd, who were voicing their displeasure on how little was landing. That changed in a heartbeat, with Nicolau dropping Schnell with a left, causing the Orlando faithful to erupt! Nicolau, however, opted to let Schnell up rather than pounce. Schnell appeared no worse for the wear, and pressed forward in the final minute of the round.
Inside of a minute in round two, Schnell was put down again, and this time, Nicolau got on top, in guard. He opted not to remain there, instead backing off and letting Schnell back up. Nicolau fired another heavy blow, drawing a reaction from fans who were back in the fight. The erupted for the final time after Matheus Nicolau landed yet another blow flush on his opponent. With Schnell face down covering up, Nicolau unloaded with punches until the ref came in!
And that's it! 🗡️
🇧🇷@NicolauMatheus extends his winning streak to six with a statement win! #UFCOrlando pic.twitter.com/KEnBkvyJkf
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) December 4, 2022
Following the victory, Nicolau revealed that he’d fought out his contract at UFC Orlando. “Let’s see if the UFC still has some interest in me. After that knockout, I believe that they have, and I’m ready for some big fights.”
Official Result: Matheus Nicolau def. Mat Schnell by KO, Round 2, 1:44
