Alessandro Costa and Stewart Nicoll are set to face off in the flyweight division at UFC Vegas 115.
Costa’s Aims for Redemption
Alessandro Costa (14-5) seeks to bounce back from a TKO loss to Alden Coria last September. Before that defeat, he had a second-round knockout victory over Kevin Borjas. He comes into his fight this weekend against Stewart Nicoll aiming for redemption.
Nicoll Pursues First Octagon Win
Stewart Nicoll (8-2) is seeking his first octagon victory. The Australian prospect is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Lucas Rocha last October, after a submission loss to Jesus Aguilar. Redemption is crucial for Nicoll as he enters his fight this weekend against Alessandro Costa.
Odds Favour Costa’s Striking Power
Alessandro Costa is positioned to defeat Stewart Nicoll this Saturday by utilising his hand speed and takedown defence. The veteran Brazilian has knockout power. It is predicted that he will overwhelm the Australian prospect on the feet.
Nicoll relies heavily on a wrestling attack to ground his opponents. He aims to establish heavy top pressure. Costa currently boasts takedown defence that will neutralise those predictable level changes.
By stuffing those grappling entries, Costa will force the matchup into a kickboxing battle. He is expected to hold an advantage in this area. Nicoll has shown stiff striking defence when pressured by fast, explosive boxers.
It is thought that whenever the Australian overcommits on a clinch attempt, he will be met by Costa’s counter right hand. Even if the fight briefly hits the canvas, Costa is a black belt highly capable of sweeping or immediately scrambling back to safety.
Nicoll’s Grappling Strategy
Stewart Nicoll will attempt to secure his first Octagon victory this Saturday by imposing his grappling pace and top control on Alessandro Costa. While Costa has hand speed, he has wilted under the pressure of chain wrestling.
The Australian prospect must avoid the centre of the cage and force the Brazilian backward against the fence. By crowding Costa’s boxing range, Nicoll will disguise his level changes and secure takedowns.
Predicted Outcome
The difference in striking fluidity and Octagon experience will become obvious as the bout progresses. It is expected that Costa will bounce back into the win column with a knockout finish.