UFC on ESPN: Nicolau vs Perez (UFC Vegas 91) | April 27, 2024 | UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Complete UFC Fight Night results, Alex Perez comeback knockout, Uros Medic's devastating uppercut, Bogdan Guskov upset victory, clean weigh-ins, and $200,000 in bonus awards from UFC Apex
Table of Contents
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Overview
The card delivered an evening of upsets and spectacular finishes at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, just one week after the historic UFC 300 event. In the main event, Alex Perez shocked #5-ranked Matheus Nicolau with a second-round knockout to snap his three-fight losing streak, while rising contender Bogdan Guskov upset veteran Ryan Spann in the co-main event.
The April 27, 2024 card featured spectacular knockouts including Uros Medic's devastating uppercut of UFC legend Tim Means and Jhonata Diniz's comeback TKO victory. All fighters successfully made weight, marking a professional showing for UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez.
Key UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Statistics:
- Event: UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez (UFC Vegas 91, UFC Fight Night 238)
- Location: UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada
- Date: April 27, 2024
- Main Event: Alex Perez upset knockout of Matheus Nicolau
- Finishes: 7 of 13 fights ended inside the distance
- Weight Misses: Zero - all fighters made weight
- Bonuses: $200,000 distributed across 4 Performance of the Night awards
- Broadcast: ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Main Card Results
Main Event: Alex Perez vs Matheus Nicolau — Flyweight (5 Rounds)
Winner: Alex Perez (USA) def. Matheus Nicolau (Brazil) via KO (Right Hand) — Round 2, 2:16
In the biggest upset of the night, Alex Perez snapped his three-fight losing streak with a devastating second-round knockout of #5-ranked Matheus Nicolau. The California native stepped in on short notice to replace injured Manel Kape and delivered a career-saving performance.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Main Event Breakdown:
Round 1: Nicolau established his game plan early, using his technical striking and movement to control range. The Brazilian landed clean strikes while avoiding Perez's power shots, appearing to win the opening frame.
Round 2 - The Knockout: At 2:16 of Round 2, Perez changed the fight with one perfectly placed right hand. As Nicolau moved forward, Perez countered with a devastating overhand right that sent the Brazilian crashing unconscious to the canvas. No follow-up strikes were needed as referee Mark Smith immediately waved off the contest.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Main Event Significance:
The knockout represented redemption for Perez after three consecutive losses dating back to 2020. Fighting on short notice against a Top 5 opponent, the 32-year-old proved he still belongs among the flyweight elite.
For Nicolau, the knockout marked his second sudden finish loss in his last three fights, a concerning pattern for the Brazilian contender who had been building toward a title shot.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Main Event Statistics:
- Perez improved to 25-8 overall
- First victory since November 2020 (over Jussier Formiga)
- Performance of the Night: $50,000 bonus
- Nicolau fell to 19-5-1 overall
- Second knockout loss in three fights
Post-UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez: Perez called for ranked opponents, declaring: "I'm back. The flyweight division better watch out."
Co-Main Event: Bogdan Guskov vs Ryan Spann — Light Heavyweight
Winner: Bogdan Guskov (Moldova) def. Ryan Spann (USA) via TKO (Strikes) — Round 3, 3:58
Rising Moldovan contender Bogdan Guskov scored a massive upset, stopping veteran Ryan "Superman" Spann late in Round 3 to earn his fourth consecutive UFC victory.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Co-Main Event:
Guskov showcased impressive striking throughout the co-main event, systematically breaking down the rangy American. In Round 3, Guskov hurt Spann with combinations and followed up with ground strikes, forcing referee intervention at 3:58.
The victory positioned the 32-year-old Guskov as a legitimate contender in the light heavyweight division.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Co-Main Statistics:
- Guskov improved to 16-2 overall, 4-0 UFC
- Performance of the Night: $50,000 bonus
- Fourth consecutive UFC victory
- Spann fell to 21-10 overall
Women's Strawweight Bout: Karine Silva vs Ariane Lipski
Winner: Karine Silva (Brazil) def. Ariane Lipski (Brazil) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) — Round 2, 2:42
Brazilian submission specialist Karine Silva extended her winning streak to seven fights, submitting compatriot Ariane Lipski with a second-round arm-triangle choke.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Strawweight Submission:
Silva controlled the grappling throughout the bout, securing multiple takedowns before locking in the fight-ending choke at 2:42 of Round 2.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Strawweight Statistics:
- Silva improved to 17-4 overall
- Seventh consecutive victory
- Lipski fell to 16-10 overall
Heavyweight Bout: Jhonata Diniz vs Austen Lane
Winner: Jhonata Diniz (Brazil) def. Austen Lane (USA) via TKO (Punches) — Round 2, 2:30
Dana White's Contender Series graduate Jhonata Diniz made a successful UFC debut, stopping former NFL defensive lineman Austen Lane in the second round after surviving a difficult first frame.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Heavyweight Battle:
Lane controlled Round 1 with his wrestling, taking Diniz down and securing mount. However, when Lane couldn't replicate his grappling success in Round 2, Diniz unleashed powerful strikes that felled the American at 2:30.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Heavyweight Statistics:
- Diniz improved to 9-0 overall (UFC debut)
- Performance of the Night: $50,000 bonus
- Lane fell to 13-5 overall
Featherweight Bout: David Onama vs Jonathan Pearce
Winner: David Onama (Uganda) def. Jonathan Pearce (USA) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Ugandan featherweight David Onama earned a unanimous decision over grappler Jonathan Pearce at UFC Fight Night, showcasing improved takedown defense and striking.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Featherweight Decision:
Onama successfully defended Pearce's takedown attempts throughout the fight, reversing positions when taken down and landing more impactful strikes on the feet.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Featherweight Statistics:
- Unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) for Onama
- Onama improved to 13-2 overall
- Pearce fell to 14-7 overall
Welterweight Bout: Uros Medic vs Tim Means
Winner: Uros Medic (Serbia) def. Tim Means (USA) via KO (Left Uppercut) — Round 1, 2:00
Serbian prospect Uros Medic delivered the knockout highlight of the night, flattening UFC veteran Tim "The Dirty Bird" Means with a picture-perfect left uppercut to open the main card.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Spectacular Knockout:
As Means attempted a level change, Medic connected with a devastating left uppercut that stopped the 40-year-old veteran in his tracks. The knockout came at exactly 2:00 of Round 1.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Welterweight Knockout:
- Medic improved to 11-2 overall, 3-2 UFC
- Performance of the Night: $50,000 bonus
- Means fell to 33-17, 1 NC
- Means' 8th UFC knockout loss
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Preliminary Card Results
Bantamweight Bout: Victor Henry vs Rani Yahya (Featured Prelim)
Winner: Victor Henry (USA) def. Rani Yahya (Brazil) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Victor Henry dominated veteran Brazilian grappler Rani Yahya, avoiding submission danger and controlling the striking to earn a shutout decision.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Featured Prelim:
- Henry improved to 24-7 overall
- Clean 30-27 sweep
- Yahya fell to 29-15, 1 NC
Lightweight Bout: Austin Hubbard vs Michal Figlak
Winner: Austin Hubbard (USA) def. Michal Figlak (Poland) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
American lightweight Austin Hubbard earned a unanimous decision over Polish opponent Michal Figlak in a competitive three-round affair.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Lightweight Battle:
- Hubbard improved to 17-7 overall
- Figlak fell to 10-2 in UFC debut
Heavyweight Bout: Don'Tale Mayes vs Caio Machado
Winner: Don'Tale Mayes (USA) def. Caio Machado (Brazil) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
American heavyweight Don'Tale Mayes controlled Brazilian Caio Machado across three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Heavyweight Decision:
- Mayes improved to 10-6 overall
- Machado fell to 8-4-1 overall
Women's Strawweight Bout: Ketlen Souza vs Marnic Mann
Winner: Ketlen Souza (Brazil) def. Marnic Mann (USA) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Brazilian strawweight Ketlen Souza dominated American newcomer Marnic Mann, earning a shutout decision in her UFC debut.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Women's Strawweight:
- Souza improved to 14-3 overall (successful UFC debut)
- Clean 30-27 sweep
- Mann fell to 7-1
Lightweight Bout: Chris Padilla vs James Llontop
Winner: Chris Padilla (USA) def. James Llontop (Peru) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) — Round 1, 4:33
Undefeated prospect Chris Padilla extended his perfect record, submitting James Llontop with a first-round rear-naked choke.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Lightweight Submission:
- Padilla improved to 10-0 overall, 2-0 UFC
- First-round rear-naked choke
- Llontop fell to 14-4
Women's Strawweight Bout: Ivana Petrovic vs Liang Na
Winner: Ivana Petrovic (Serbia) def. Liang Na (China) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) — Round 3, 1:29
Serbian fighter Ivana Petrovic earned her first UFC victory, submitting Liang Na with a third-round arm-triangle choke after controlling the grappling throughout.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Women's Submission:
- Petrovic improved to 7-1 overall
- First UFC victory
- Na fell to 16-9
Featherweight Bout: Maheshate vs Gabriel Benitez (Early Prelim Opener)
Winner: Maheshate (China) def. Gabriel Benitez (Mexico) via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Chinese featherweight Maheshate opened the event with a controversial split decision victory over Mexican veteran Gabriel Benitez in a phone booth brawl.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Opening Fight:
- Split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) for Maheshate
- Maheshate improved to 10-3 overall
- Snapped two-fight losing streak
- Benitez fell to 24-12 overall
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Bonuses
| Bonus Type | Winner(s) | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of the Night | Alex Perez | $50,000 |
| Performance of the Night | Bogdan Guskov | $50,000 |
| Performance of the Night | Jhonata Diniz | $50,000 |
| Performance of the Night | Uros Medic | $50,000 |
Total UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Bonuses: $200,000
Notable: No Fight of the Night bonus was awarded, with all four bonuses going to spectacular knockout and submission finishes.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Weight Misses
Clean Weigh-Ins - All Fighters Made Weight
The event featured professional weigh-ins with all 26 fighters successfully making their contracted weights on Friday, April 26, 2024. This marked a positive showing following the historic UFC 300 event one week prior.
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Main Event Weights:
- Alex Perez: 126 lbs (flyweight limit)
- Matheus Nicolau: 126 lbs
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Co-Main Event Weights:
- Bogdan Guskov: 205 lbs
- Ryan Spann: 206 lbs (light heavyweight limit)
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Key Takeaways
1. Alex Perez's Career-Saving Knockout
The UFC Fight Night event saw Perez end a three-fight losing streak dating to 2020 with a spectacular knockout. The short-notice victory potentially saved his UFC career.
2. Bogdan Guskov Emerged as Light Heavyweight Contender
Guskov's upset of Ryan Spann marked his fourth consecutive UFC victory, positioning the Moldovan fighter as a legitimate 205-pound threat.
3. Uros Medic Delivered Knockout Artistry
Medic's uppercut knockout of Tim Means showcased the Serbian's finishing ability and earned widespread highlight coverage.
4. Matheus Nicolau's Concerning Pattern
The event marked Nicolau's second sudden knockout loss in three fights, raising questions about his ability to compete at the championship level.
5. Brazilian Fighters Dominated
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez featured strong performances from Brazilian fighters including Karine Silva, Jhonata Diniz, and Ketlen Souza, continuing Brazil's MMA legacy.
Complete UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez Results
| Fight | Winner | Method | Round/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perez vs Nicolau | Alex Perez | KO (right hand) | R2, 2:16 |
| Guskov vs Spann | Bogdan Guskov | TKO (strikes) | R3, 3:58 |
| Silva vs Lipski | Karine Silva | Sub (arm-triangle) | R2, 2:42 |
| Diniz vs Lane | Jhonata Diniz | TKO (punches) | R2, 2:30 |
| Onama vs Pearce | David Onama | UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) | 3 rounds |
| Medic vs Means | Uros Medic | KO (left uppercut) | R1, 2:00 |
| Henry vs Yahya | Victor Henry | UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) | 3 rounds |
| Hubbard vs Figlak | Austin Hubbard | UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) | 3 rounds |
| Mayes vs Machado | Don'Tale Mayes | UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) | 3 rounds |
| Souza vs Mann | Ketlen Souza | UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) | 3 rounds |
| Padilla vs Llontop | Chris Padilla | Sub (RNC) | R1, 4:33 |
| Petrovic vs Na | Ivana Petrovic | Sub (arm-triangle) | R3, 1:29 |
| Maheshate vs Benitez | Maheshate | SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) | 3 rounds |
UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez delivered an evening of upsets and spectacular finishes at the UFC Apex as Alex Perez scored a career-saving knockout of Matheus Nicolau in the main event. With impressive performances from Bogdan Guskov, Uros Medic's devastating uppercut, and Jhonata Diniz's successful UFC debut, the April 27, 2024 event proved the UFC Apex continues producing exciting Fight Night cards. All fighters making weight marked a professional showing one week after the historic UFC 300 event.
Related UFC Coverage:
- UFC 300 Results: Pereira vs Hill (April 13, 2024)
- UFC 301 Results: Pantoja vs Erceg (May 4, 2024)
- UFC on ESPN 56: Lewis vs Nascimento (May 11, 2024)
- Complete UFC Event Schedule