Brandon Royval vs Matheus Nicolau 4/15/23 – On Saturday, April 15th at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, Brandon Royval and Matheus Nicolau will square off in a three-round flyweight bout that is part of the UFC on ESPN 44 undercard. Royval, ranked No.4 in 125 pounds, looks to extend his two-fight winning streak against fifth ranked Nicolau who seeks his fifth consecutive UFC victory. Online UFC picks and odds have already been updated as we eagerly await this thrilling clash between two of the most promising fighters in this division.
Brandon Royval vs Matheus Nicolau
Date & Time: Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 5:30 PM ET
Location: T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri
TV: ESPN+
Brandon Royval vs Matheus Nicolau 4/15/23 Betting Odds
Royval
Moneyline: +179
Nicolau
Moneyline: -209
Brandon Royval vs Matheus Nicolau Analysis
Brandon “Raw Dawg” Royval seeks to add another victory to his impressive 14-6-0 record. At 30 years old, the southpaw fighter weighs in at 125 lbs and stands at 5’9″, boasting an impressive 68″ reach. In his previous fight, Brandon Royval faced off against Matt Schnell and ultimately prevailed by guillotine choke in round 1. In that contest, Schnell landed 15 of 36 total strikes attempted. Royval finished the night having landed 14 of 39 total strikes, giving him a percentage of 36% in the significant strikes category. Additionally, he directed 9 of 29 significant strikes towards Royval’s head for an even finish. On the other hand, Royval connected on 35% of his significant strikes by landing 14 out of 39. When it came to placement of these strikes, 9 out of 33 were directed at the head. 83% of Schnell’s significant hits and 92% by Royval were done from a distance. Royval’s last five fights have occurred over a three year, four month and 22 day span, meaning they average every 8 months and 4 days. Of these 9 rounds fought, they have lasted an average of 1.8 rounds per fight.
Royval is the less experienced professional fighter, having engaged in two fewer bouts. His debut came two years later than Nicolau’s whose first professional fight was 2010. Royval has fought 11 fewer rounds than Nicolau has 38 to 49.
Matheus Nicolau stands 5’6″ and will fight at 125 lbs. The orthodox fighter boasts a career record of 19-3-1. The 30-year-old has an impressive reach of 66″. Matheus Nicolau’s final fight was against Matt Schnell, and he ultimately prevailed by way of a punch to the head in round 2. Schnell connected on 100% of his significant strikes from distance while Nicolau managed to land 56% of those attempts as well. Nicolau connected on 76% of his significant strikes, connecting on 32 of 42 attempts. He connected on 23 of 31 significant strikes aimed at the head, landing 20 of 59 significant blows in that fight. Regarding placement of these blows, Schnell connected on 16 of 50 to the head. With regards to total strikes thrown, Schnell connected on 29 of 68 and Nicolau connected on 40 out of 50 attempts. Over Nicolau’s last 4 fights, which span two years and one month, he has averaged one bout every 6 months and 9 days. Each bout lasted an average of 2.8 rounds, meaning his fights have been fairly close calls.
Brandon Royval vs Matheus Nicolau Stats
| Royva | Nicolau | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 14-6-0 | 19-3-1 |
| Average Fight Time | 7:11 | 12:23 |
| Height | 5′ 9″ | 5′ 6″ |
| Weight | 125 lbs. | 125 lbs. |
| Reach | 68″ | 66″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 3.32 | 3.72 |
| Striking Accuracy | 36% | 53% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 2.72 | 3.08 |
| Defense | 50% | 67% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.70 | 1.52 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 100% | 45% |
| Takedown Defense | 39% | 93% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 2.4 | 0.9 |
Brandon Royval vs Matheus Nicolau Free Pick
Two fighters seeking to extend their winning streak square off in a three-round fight at flyweight. Royval and Nicolau have established themselves as deserving contenders for the 125-pound title; any victory for either would increase their chances of competing for it. Royval holds the slight edge and fight experience to defeat Nicolau, who is seeking a surprise win. UFC betting lines are favorable to Nicoalu to claim his fifth consecutive UFC victory.
Free Pick: Matheus Nicolau -209
