UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Alessandro Costa (14-5-0) vs. Stewart Nicoll (8-2-0)

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Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s state-of-the-art, intimate 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (part of the Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation octagon, elite broadcast setup, and fan-friendly viewing angles. As a standard UFC Fight Night, expect a high-energy atmosphere with no public ticket sales (invitation-only or broadcast-focused).

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts total (5 main card, 8 prelims). All fights are three rounds except the main event (five rounds).

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.). International broadcast varies by region.

Weight Classes: Heavyweight, lightweight, women’s strawweight, light heavyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, and more across the card—this specific bout is a flyweight (125 lbs) prelim.

Injury Report and Card Notes
No major injuries or last-minute withdrawals have been reported for the current fight card, including this flyweight bout. Both Costa and Nicoll successfully made weight (Costa at 125.5 lbs). Minor fight-week additions occurred elsewhere on the card, but the lineup remains stable. All fighters are medically cleared and expected to compete at full strength.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card blends veteran experience with rising prospects across multiple divisions. Standout bouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). For the prelims spotlight:

Flyweight (125 lbs) Prelim: Alessandro “Nono” Costa (14-5-0, Brazil) vs. Stewart “Kakamora” Nicoll (8-2-0, Australia).

Costa (5’4″, 67″ reach, Orthodox): Experienced UFC flyweight with power and grappling (5 KOs, 6 subs).

UFC debut via Dana White’s Contender Series; flashes of elite upside but inconsistent results (2-3 or 3-3 in the promotion).

Nicoll (5’5″, ~65.5″ reach): Australian prospect making his third UFC appearance. Strong regional finisher (4 KOs, 3 subs) but 0-2 inside the Octagon so far.

This matchup pits Costa’s Octagon experience and striking volume against Nicoll’s wrestling/grappling background in a classic flyweight scrap full of speed and technique.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Alessandro Costa: Recent form is 2-3 in his last five UFC bouts—most recently a TKO loss to Alden Coria (Round 3, 0:47) in September 2025 after a highlight-reel KO win over Kevin Borjas (Round 2, May 2024). Earlier losses to top competition (Amir Albazi, Steve Erceg) show he can hang with elites but has struggled with consistency. Strengths: Leg kicks, power, and submission threat off his back.

Stewart Nicoll: 0-2 in the UFC with losses to Lucas Rocha (unanimous decision, October 2025) and Jesus Aguilar (guillotine sub, Round 1, UFC 305 in August 2024). Pre-UFC he was a finishing machine on the regional scene. Strengths: Wrestling and early pressure, but durability and pace have been questioned against UFC-level opposition.

Fight History: First meeting between the two. No prior history; Costa enters as the more battle-tested veteran in a bounce-back spot for both.

FIGHT ODDS

Alessandro Costa             – 425

Stewart Nicoll                   + 320

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

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Fight Editor
Profile: A seasoned combat‑sports analyst with a deep understanding of the tactical, technical, and promotional forces that shape modern MMA and boxing. This columnist delivers comprehensive coverage that blends fight‑film study, statistical insight, and industry context to break down matchups, rising contenders, and the evolving landscape of global combat sports. Background: With extensive experience covering major promotions, championship bouts, and regional circuits, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms focused on fighter development, coaching philosophies, and matchmaking strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term career trajectories across weight classes and organizations. Signature Coverage Areas: Fight previews and stylistic matchups Technical breakdowns of striking, grappling, and defensive systems Prospect scouting, rankings analysis, and divisional movement Promotional strategy, business trends, and event‑building dynamics Historical context, legacy discussions, and championship narratives Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex techniques, tactical adjustments, and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time fight fans and new followers of combat sports. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the discipline, strategy, and global reach of MMA and boxing.