Alex Perez delivered a knockout to Matheus Nicolau at UFC Vegas 91, ending Nicolau’s night and giving Perez a much-needed win after three straight losses.
Alex Perez, despite a last-minute main event, delivered a knockout that left everyone speechless. It was Matheus Nicolau’s night at UFC Vegas 91 that ended abruptly.
Perez stepped in for an injured Manel Kape on Saturday night. He had a lot to prove after three consecutive losses. But, like always, he came out swinging. His relentless pursuit paid off when he cornered Nicolau against the cage and started landing punches.
Some punches missed, but not the right hook. It was a beast of a punch that spun Nicolau’s head around. He crumbled to the canvas. The referee had to step in, ending the fight at 2:16 in the second round.
“Feels incredible,” Perez said about the knockout. “Everyone wrote me off after three losses. Last camp was rough, but three weeks’ notice? No biggie. Anytime, any day. I always say, I don’t get paid to lounge on the couch. I live in the gym. Always grinding.”
Perez ended the night spectacularly. But, it was his patience that really paid off.
The flyweights were on the move in the opening round, but not really engaging. Perez was on the hunt for an opening to unleash his combinations. Nicolau, to his credit, landed the first significant punch of the fight. He caught Perez with a sharp left. Perez, the one-time flyweight title challenger, didn’t flinch. He kept returning fire.
Perez kept pushing, throwing punch combinations in quick succession. He was trying to catch Nicolau off guard, with Nicolau retreating.
The opportunity came in round two. Perez cornered Nicolau against the cage, leaving him nowhere to run. The punches came fast and furious. Perez landed a right hook, and Nicolau hit the canvas.
It was a remarkable finish, especially considering the stakes. Perez didn’t want to end his night with a fourth loss in a row.
Instead, he leaves UFC Vegas 91 with a win that makes a statement. He’s got a chance to make significant strides in the flyweight division. Alexandre Pantoja, the flyweight champion, is set to defend his belt at UFC 301 against relative newcomer Steve Erceg.