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In a recent turn of events, the upcoming UFC Vegas 91 event has seen a change in its main event lineup as Manel Kape is forced to withdraw, paving the way for Matheus Nicolau to face off against Alex Perez in an eagerly awaited headliner.
The announcement, made by UFC on Tuesday, shook up the fight card for UFC Vegas 91, scheduled to take place on April 27 at the UFC APEX. Originally slated to compete against Kape, Nicolau will now test his skills against Perez in a five-round battle that promises fireworks for fight fans.
This isn't the first time Kape vs. Nicolau has faced setbacks. Initially scheduled for UFC Vegas 84 on Jan. 13, the matchup was canceled due to Kape missing weight by three and a half pounds, leading to its rescheduling for UFC Vegas 91. However, with Kape's withdrawal, Nicolau steps up to face a new challenge in Perez.
Nicolau, boasting a record of 19 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, is determined to bounce back from his recent defeat against Brandon Royval. Ranked No. 11 in MMA Fighting's flyweight rankings, Nicolau brings a wealth of experience and notable victories to the octagon, including wins over Tim Elliott and John Moraga.
On the other side of the octagon, Alex Perez enters the spotlight hungry for redemption. Despite suffering three consecutive defeats, Perez remains a formidable force in the flyweight division. Perez has faced tough competition, including battles against current champion Alexandre Pantoja and former champ Deiveson Figueiredo.
As the new headliner for UFC Vegas 91, Nicolau vs. Perez promises to deliver high-octane action and intense competition. Fight fans can expect a thrilling matchup between two top-ranked flyweights vying to make a statement in the division.