Top 5 flyweights Brandon Royval and Matheus Nicolau set to fight at UFC event in April
The flyweight title picture is set for a change in personnel as either Brandon Royval or Matheus Nicolau will find themselves within touching distance of the 125lb strap should they manage to get their hands raised next time out.
'Raw Dawg' is making his first appearance in the octagon since earning a first-round submission over Matt Schnell at UFC 274 in May 2022. The entertaining prospect is riding a two-fight win streak and will be hoping to put on another eye-catching display later this year in hopes of earning a shot at UFC gold.
As announced on social media, Brandon Royval will welcome Matheus Nicolau into the cage as the two flyweights battle it out in a potential title eliminator clash on April 15.
Brandon Royval will fight Matheus Nicolau at #UFCKansasCity on April 15th. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2023 #UFCKC https://t.co/zAjmy8A62p
Nicolau has been almost flawless since making his UFC debut eight years ago, and including his short stint competing for different promotions in 2019, the 30-year-old has been victorious in nine of his last ten outings.
His current winning streak in the company lies at four, pushing him into the #5 spot in the division with some credible wins under his belt. Despite beating Tim Elliot, Manel Kape, David Dvorak, and Matt Schnell, the Brazilian is arguably facing his toughest test to date next, in a clash against the #4 ranked flyweight of the world.
Both men are well-versed in all aspects of mixed martial arts, whether that's through stand-up or grappling exchanges, and this brawl promises to be a fast-paced affair that brilliantly showcases the beauty of the sport.
Brandon Royval vs. Matheus Nicolau and other fights on April 15
Alongside the high-stakes flyweight brawl between Matheus Nicolau and Brandon Royval, the UFC Fight Night on April 15 will showcase some fantastic matchups—one with serious title implications and another capable of stealing the show.
Headlining the event in two months' time is the featherweight collision between fan-favorite Max Holloway and the gritty Arnold Allen. The two men are likely next in line for a shot following the interim title fight between Josh Emmett and Yair Rodriguez this weekend.
One fight that is flying under the radar but has all the potential to easily snatch away fight of the night honors is the 145lb war between veteran Edson Barboza and the always-entertaining Billy Quarantillo.