Aside from being buoyed by his performance in their first meeting and a strong training camp, Nicolau is also driven by a desire to validate the praise heaped on him by compatriot and current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja prior to his successful title defense against Royval at UFC 296.
Before the event, Pantoja was asked about each member of the division’s Top 10 and said of Nicolau that he was “a very talented and very intelligent guy”, adding that he thought his compatriot had “a lot more to show in the UFC.
When asked about the comments, Nicolau couldn’t help but smile and admit hearing those words from someone as respected and accomplished as Pantoja added to his push as he prepared to come back.
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“These things motivate us, for sure; they show us that we are on the right track, especially after a defeat,” he said. “A lot of people doubt you, so having a champion who knows things, it’s not just anyone who says that; he is the champion, someone who fights, who knows these things.
“It gives us motivation, confidence,” he added. “I work very hard and I want to prove what he said on Saturday.”
Although fighting for and winning championship gold has been his dream since he was a teenager and something he considers an inevitability, the belt is not at the forefront of Nicolau’s thoughts at the moment.
He’s content to take his time, enjoy the process and grow from each experience, including the opportunity to go back with Kape and prove himself to those who may still not be convinced by his credentials as a Top 5 talent.
“To be honest with you, I’m not thinking about the belt much at the moment; I enjoy every step of the process to get there,” Nicolau explained. “Being champion is not only my dream, but it has been my goal since I was a teenager. I have worked so hard to achieve this that it is more than a dream; It’s a goal – it’s something I’m working towards, and I know it will come.
“I don’t know when, but I know it will happen eventually. I’m not in a hurry, so I take every step carefully and I really enjoy every challenge I take on because they will prepare me when the time (comes) to get the belt.
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“I think it’s a great opportunity to show once again how good I am – that I deserve to be in the Top 5,” he said of the duo’s co-main event. SATURDAY. “Manel is a great opponent, and I will show that I am even greater.”
He smiles, as he is always quick to do.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity to fight with Manel, my first co-main event in the UFC,” he added. “Things happen and I’ve worked so hard for this, so I’m ready to put in the best performance of my life.”