MMA Preview – Brandon Royval vs Matheus Nicolau at UFC on ESPN 44
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BRANDON ROYVAL VS MATHEUS NICOLAU FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 44? Saturday 15th April, 2023 - 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 44? T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 44? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 44 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 44? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
BRANDON ROYVAL VS MATHEUS NICOLAU LOWDOWN
Brandon Royval (14-6) is one of the most exciting flyweights and is coming off his third ‘Fight of the Night’ in his six UFC bouts. He was coming off tough losses to two of the very best in Brandon Moreno (2020 – TKO) and Alexandre Pantoja (2021 – submission) but responded with a split decision over Rogerio Bontorin (2022). He then went to war with Matt Schnell (2022) submitting him in the first round.
Matheus Nicolau (19-2-1) is also coming off a finish over Schnell. He knocked him out in the second round to make it four UFC wins from four extending his streak to six. He has not made much noise with all his other wins coming via decision, but they were all very tough fights getting past Manel Kape (2021), Tim Elliott (2021) and David Dvorak (2022).
BRANDON ROYVAL VS MATHEUS NICOLAU PREDICTION
This is a mouth-watering match-up and has no right being on the prelims. This is the perfect opportunity for Nicolau to waltz into the title picture. Royval has fought tougher opponents and has the ability to finish anyone creating chaos.
He is extremely dangerous, particularly in the scrambles but that danger usually stems from recklessness which will play into the hands of Nicolau. He is technical, a top grappler and composed.
Royval is very creative and covers the distance well, but we expect Nicolau’s left hand and leg kicks to slow Royval down. He has underrated power and Royval tends to leave his chin exposed.
Nicolau’s grappling is good enough to prevent Royval pouncing on a submission and we feel his movement and counter attacks will make the difference. Royval is always worth a punt as the underdog considering his finishing ability, but we are leaning slightly towards the Brazilian.
Prediction: Nicolau via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Royval via finish
