Expert prediction
UFC Vegas 84: Matheus Nicolau vs. Manel Kape Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Jan 13)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Matheus Nicolau and Manel Kape meet again, almost three years after Nicolau beat Kape by split decision.
- Manel Kape has been without a single loss since his fight with Matheus Nicolau in 2021.
- In his most recent fight, Matheus Nicolau got KO-ed by Brandon Royval in Round 1.
The Matheus Nicolau vs. Manel Kape flyweight fight will serve as the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 (a.k.a. UFC Vegas 84) on Saturday, January 13.
Our Nicolau vs. Kape prediction is that this is going to be a hell of a fight, possibly even winning the Fight of the Night award. But who’s gonna win this duel?
Judging by the Nicolau vs. Kape odds, it’s Kape who’s more likely to do it. Do we agree with bookies on this one? Keep reading to see our pick for the UFC Vegas 84 co-main event!
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, January 13, 2023, at 9:00 p.m. ET
- Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
- How to Watch: ESPN+
Odds
| Manel Kape | |
| Matheus Nicolau |
Fight Preview
Matheus Nicolau is 19-3-1 in his professional career, with all of his three losses happening by knockout/technical knockout. The most recent of those happened in his last fight – Brandon Royval beat him with knee and elbows last April.
Losing to the UFC Flyweight contender isn’t too embarrassing, although Nicolau did get KO-ed pretty quickly. Royval put him to the ground after just over two minutes of fighting in the first round.
Now, Nicolau has a chance to redeem himself in a fight against Manel Kape who’s 19-6 overall. What needs to worry him is that “Starboy” is an expert striker with a knockout-to-win percentage of just under 60%.
Nicolau managed to beat this guy once already, but that happened almost three years ago. And it happened by a split decision. Even though Kape recorded more significant strikes in that fight, Nicolau did better wrestling-wise, making two takedowns without suffering any.
Matheus Nicolau vs. Manel Kape Prediction
We think Manel Kape has grown as a fighter since the split-decision loss to Matheus Nicolau. He’s improved his takedown defense, which is now 77%. That’s a higher number than any of Nicolau’s last four opponents.
READ ALSO: UFC Vegas 84: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Jan 13)
Further, Kape has also increased his striking numbers and is undefeated since that loss. This guy has the motivation to set things straight, which is another reason why his UFC Vegas 84 odds are as short as -220.
Bookies believe in him and so do we!
Free Pick:
MMA
More Predictions
UFC Vegas 123 Predictions: Moicano vs Nolan Picks, Odds and Best Bet
Best bet: Tom Nolan moneyline (-120) Bet UFC Vegas 123 at BetOnline Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan headline UFC Vegas 123 this Saturday in a lightweight matchup with plenty on the line. Moicano is fighting to stay relevant in the division, while Nolan is chasing a breakthrough win and a place in the rankings. You […]
UFC 332: Full Main Card Picks, Odds & Props (Oct 3)
It’s UFC 332 week at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. A vacant women’s flyweight title is on the line, along with several high-stakes main card matchups. Here is your full breakdown, plus expert UFC picks, odds, and prop bets for Saturday’s event. How to Watch UFC 332 Main Card Preview Main Event: Natalia […]
UFC: Silva vs. Delgado Preview, Odds, Picks (Sep 12)
Delgado steps into his first UFC main event on short notice following Yair Rodríguez’s injury withdrawal. He is a massive underdog against Jean Silva, though Silva prepared for a completely different rival. Here is are more MMA Odds. How to Watch Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado Odds Fighter Odds Silva -425 Delgado +325 Fight Preview […]
UFC Paris: Full Main Card Picks, Odds & Props
The UFC returns to the Accor Arena for its fifth annual trip to Paris. The card features 14 fights, but we are focusing on the main card, headlined by lightweight fireworks and top French talent. Here are the full betting breakdowns, UFC Paris odds, and top picks for the main card lineup. How to Watch […]
UFC Shanghai Predictions, Odds & Full Fight Card Picks
It’s UFC Shanghai on the menu, with several high-stakes matchups on the main card. We are here to deliver some top-notch UFC picks, with props and plenty of other valuable information. How to Watch UFC Shanghai Main Card Preview Main Event: Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1) vs. Song Yadong (23-9-1) Fighter Odds Nurmagomedov -530 Yadong +375 Co-Main […]