Matheus Nicolau Pereira, better known as Matheus Nicolau, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who is currently signed to Future FC and Brave CF. He has also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He currently competes in the bantamweight division.
Background
Nicolau began training in various forms of martial arts as a youngster. He then jiu-jitsu as a teenager before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2010.
Nicolau made his professional mixed martial arts debut in August 2010 at the age of 17. He compiled a record of 10-1-1, competing primarily for various regional promotions in Brazil before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter in early 2015.
''The Ultimate Fighter''
In March 2015, it was announced that Nicolau was one of the fighters selected to be on . In his first fight on the show, Nicolau faced Mateus Vasco. He won the fight via submission in the first round. In the quarterfinals, Nicolau faced off against Reginaldo Vieira. He won the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds. In the semifinals, Nicolau faced Dileno Lopes. He lost via unanimous decision.
Nicolau made his official debut for the promotion on November 7, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 77 where he faced fellow castmate Bruno Rodrigues. He won the fight submission in the third round. Nicolau next faced John Moraga on July 8, 2016 at. He won the fight via split decision. Nicolau was expected to face Ulka Sasaki on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 100. However Nicolau was pulled from the bout on November 3 after the USADA revealed a potential anti-doping violation from a sample that was taken October 13. Nicolau faced Louis Smolka on December 30, 2017 at UFC 219. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Nicolau faced Dustin Ortiz on July 28, 2018 at UFC on Fox 30. He lost the fight via knockout due to a head kick and follow-up punches in the first round. In February 2019, news surfaced that Nicolau had been released from the UFC.
Post-UFC career
After the release from the UFC, Nicolau signed with Brazilian mixed martial arts promotion Future FC where he fights in the bantamweight division. In his promotional debut he faced Alan Gabriel at Future FC 5 on May 24, 2019. He won the fight via anaconda choke. In August 2019, it was also announced that Nicolau had signed with Brave CF, making his promotional debut against Felipe Efrain at Brave CF 25 onAugust 31, 2019. Nicolau won the fight via unanimous decision. In February 2020, news surfaced that Nicolau will be participating in Brave CF Flyweight tournament. In the initial round Nicolau was expected to face Jose Torres at Brave CF 35 on March 28, 2020. However, the event has been postponed until a to-be-determined date due to the COVID-19 pandemic
