“Alex is a great challenge, a very difficult one. He’s an experienced guy, has more than 25 fights. He’s already been to a title fight, so he’s already prepared for five rounds. He’s a well-rounded guy. He’s got a good striking game, heavy hands, heavy leg kicks, and a good wrestling background, as well.
“He showed in his last fight that he has really strong grappling defense, and is also good in the striking game. So I see this fight being a great challenge for me, and will put me one step higher in my career.”
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Nicolau’s plan is to eventually earn himself a shot at the flyweight title. But, despite knowing that victory will edge him closer to that goal, he’s staying focused on the task at hand as he looks to get back into the win column against an experienced, dangerous opponent.
“I think a good win on Saturday will put me really, really close to the title shot, but to be honest with you, I don’t really think about that right now. It’s been more than a year since my last fight, and my last fight was so quick.
“So I’m really focused on enjoying the moment, having fun out there and (producing) the best performance I have ever put inside the Octagon. Then, if I get a good victory, good things, for sure, will happen.”
A good victory is exactly what Nicolau is visualizing ahead of fight night at the UFC APEX, where he sees himself getting the win inside the distance to make a statement to the rest of the flyweight division.
“I really believe that I can finish him,” he stated.
“It doesn’t matter if we are in the striking game or in the grappling game, that will be the perfect night for me – to get my arm raised before the 25 minutes.”