Brazilian lightweight Nikolas Motta welcomed Tom Nolan to the octagon on Saturday, as the UFC kicked off its 2024 year with UFC Vegas 84.
Nolan was a product of the 2023 run of Dana White’s Contender Series, and entered the bout a perfect 6-0. Motta for his part was coming in off a No Contest against Trey Ogden due to a premature stoppage, and with only one win in four UFC fights, appeared to be in must-win territory.
Nikolas Motta also seemed to have taken offence to some trash talk by Nolan ahead of the fight — and the Brazilian chose to give his response in the cage.
Tom Nolan started the fight off with a large volume of kicks to both the legs and body. Motta obliged, and landed a punch to get some respect. Moments later, Motta again landed a straight right hand— this time flooring Nolan. Tom Nolan rolled to his back trying to survive but he was taking way too much damage and the ref stepped in.
A big win for Nikolas Motta when he needed it most, and the second stoppage in two fights on the first UFC card of 2024.
Official Result: Nikolas Motta def. Tom Nolan by TKO (right hand to GNP), Round 1, 1:03
