MMA Preview – Matheus Nicolau vs Manel Kape 2 at UFC Fight Night 234
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
MATHEUS NICOLAU VS MANEL KAPE FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 234? Saturday 13th January, 2024 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 234? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Las Vegas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 234? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 234 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 234? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
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!
MATHEUS NICOLAU VS MANEL KAPE LOWDOWN
Matheus Nicolau (19-3-1) only appeared once last year and suffered the unfamiliar feeling of a loss. After returning to the UFC in 2021, he reeled off three classy decisions over Manel Kape (2021), Tim Elliott (2021), David Dvorak (2022) and a brilliant knockout over Matt Schnell (2022). He then ran into the path of Brandon Royval and ate a devastating knee before getting knocked out in the first round.
Manel Kape (19-6) heads to the APEX with vengeance on his mind. He has been in red hot form since the split decision loss to Nicolau. He responded by knocking out Ode Osbourne (2021) and Zhalgas Zhumagulov (2021) before unanimous decisions over Dvorak (2022) and Felipe dos Santos (2023)
MATHEUS NICOLAU VS MANEL KAPE PREDICTION
Their first fight was very close with Nicolau’s takedowns being enough to sway two of the judges. Kape did hurt the Brazilian on the feet and we feel the same factors will dictate the how the fight goes here.
Nicolau is well-rounded but he does not have the speed or power of Kape and he will resort to his grappling and nullify his weapons. The question is, who has made enough adjustments since their first fight.
Nicolau finally got his six-fight win streak snapped and most notably, it was a knockout and Kape’s power is undeniable. Kape’s confidence is surging and the longer this stays on the feet, you have to expect the Brazilian’s chin will give way for a fourth time.
Nicolau still has the grappling ability to subdue Kape for three rounds but considering their confidence right now and the improvements in Kape’s takedown defence, we understand why he is the favourite.
That said, Nicolau is the value bet considering the odds and the fact he has already beaten him. We are on the side of form and backing Kape to find the chin, but it is tough to back against Nicolau.
Prediction: Kape via KO/TKO
Value Bet: Nicolau via Decision
