By The Numbers: Matheus Nicolau vs. Alex Perez

For Matheus Nicolau, the No.5- ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight contender, being the architect of his own destiny has been the prime ambition. He returned to test himself again in the dog-eat-dog landscape of the 125-pound division in the Las Vegas-based promotion in 2021 following a brief stint between 2015 and 2018. Since then, he has compiled a 4-1 record with victories over prominent names like Manel Kape and Tim Elliott. And if past events are any measure, the promotional division has already witnessed a returning hero in the form of Brandon Moreno who went on to reign supreme in the division.

For his next assignment, the Brazilian is set to take on the eighth-ranked fighter in the divisional grid, Alex Perez, who finds himself navigating the adverse currents of a three-fight losing skid. In Perez’s defense, he has been taking on cutthroat competition since he signed with the UFC following a successful outing at Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2017.

The flyweight matchup is the central allure around which UFC on ESPN 55 is built. The event is set to take place on April. 27, 2024, at the Apex Facility in Las Vegas, Ahead of the clash, we take a look at some of the statistical intricacies that play a pivotal part in previewing the matchup.

4: Nicolau’s four-fight win streak before crumbling to a knockout loss to Brandon Royval in his last Octagon outing ranks as the sixth best in the division.

2:39: The Brazilian has spent a total of 2:39 accumulated time in the bottom position, which is the sixth-best mark on the flyweight ladder.

6: Throughout his UFC stint, Nicolau has landed six knockdowns, the third best in the division.

3: In his fight against Luis Smolka back in UFC 219, the 31-year-old landed three knockdowns, the tied-best in the division.

72: He landed 72 body strikes against Tim Elliott which accounts for the third best in the weight class.

8: Nicolau has scored eight decision victories in his career, proof that he can persist in the long game when required.

2:27: Perez occupies the fifth spot in the divisional bracket for bottom position time with 2:27 registered time.

80%:Perez is difficult to take down, bolstered by the 80% takedown defense rate he exhibits in his fights, the sixth best in the division.

59%:The American exhibits a solid striking defense at 59%.

7: With seven submission wins, Perez is widely recognized for his ground game and grappling prowess.

12: Much like Nicolau, Perez embraced the idea of going the distance without hesitation, rattling off 12 decision wins in his career.