Don’t blame Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez for the lack of buzz around the UFC Vegas 91 main event.
The original headliner for Saturday was to feature Manel Kape facing Nicolau in a rematch, with the expectation that a win for Kape would vault him towards a title shot. Unfortunately for all parties involved, Kape suffered a rib injury and was forced to withdraw, the latest in a long line of bout cancellations for the would-be contender.
So in steps Perez—no stranger to cancellations himself—a one-time title challenger in the midst of an unfortunate three-fight slump. With Nicolau also coming off of a loss, it’s understandable that this matchup isn’t exactly lighting up social media.
Still, top-ranked flyweights are not to be taken for granted, and with No. 14-ranked light heavyweight Ryan Spann competing in the co-main event, and fringe flyweight contenders Ariane da Silva (formerly Lipski) and Karine Silva also featured, there are a smattering of intriguing fights to sink your teeth into tonight.
What: UFC Vegas 91
Where: UFC APEX in Las Vegas
When: Saturday, April 27. The seven-fight preliminary card begins at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+, followed by a six-fight main card at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.
Odds: DraftKings Sportsbook
(Numbers in parentheses indicate standing in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings)
Matheus Nicolau (T10) vs. Alex Perez (12)
Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez both utilize a ton of movement to get where they want to go, but they differ on the path. For Nicolau, he does his best work on the outside, poking at his opponents and mixing in his grappling when the situation calls for it. Perez circles until he can find an opening to rush in, then he attacks with combinations and takedowns. It’s going to be a 25-minute chess match when these two step into the cage.
As cliché as that sounds, it’s the most accurate way to break this one down. That’s not to say that neither is capable of finding a finish, just that it’s more likely these two favor tactics over bonus hunting. Add in the sterile APEX environment and the recipe is there for a fun, if somewhat low-key main event.
I always favor Nicolau if he goes to the scorecards. He’s a point fighter, which doesn’t go over well with the fans, but again, what fans? It’s the APEX! Nicolau will be at his workmanlike best, frustrating Perez from range and using his all-around game to take a decision.
Pick: Nicolau
Ryan Spann (14) vs. Bogdan Guskov
Is it just me or does Ryan Spann getting a third chance to beat Anthony Smith feel a little excessive?
OK, maybe Bogdan Guskov isn’t identical to Smith, but you can’t blame anyone if they have a sense of déjà vu seeing Spann standing across from another member of the bald brotherhood so soon after his unsuccessful Smith rematch.
Guskov is your classic light heavyweight slugger. He wants to circle to get into range to throw a heavy right hand and relies on a sturdy chin to keep himself out of trouble. That might not be the best strategy against the speedy Spann.
Though Spann has been on the wrong end of his fair share of highlight-reel knockouts, I give him the technical and defensive edge in this matchup. Spann should also consider changing levels here and grounding the dangerous Guskov before the standup action gets too hairy.
Spann by submission.
Pick: Spann
