Rio de Janeiro, the pulsating heart of Brazilian combat sports, is once again set to ignite with the fervor of UFC Fight Night 261. While the main event spotlights the highly anticipated clash between Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot, keen observers will find compelling narratives unfolding throughout the undercard. Among these, a flyweight bout between Brazil`s own Lucas Rocha and Australia`s Stewart Nicoll stands out as a critical juncture for both promising careers.
A Test of Resilience: Rocha vs. Nicoll
This October 11, 2025, at the Farmasi Arena, Rocha and Nicoll are poised to deliver a classic “do-or-die” encounter. What makes this particular matchup so intriguing is not just the stylistic clash, but the shared shadow hanging over both fighters: each is entering the octagon fresh off a technical submission loss. For any combatant, bouncing back from a defeat is paramount, but for these two, it`s about proving their mettle and ensuring their trajectory continues upwards in a notoriously unforgiving division.
Lucas Rocha: The Brazilian Powerhouse
Lucas Rocha, with a formidable professional record of 17 wins and only 2 losses, has established himself as a potent force in the flyweight division since turning pro in April 2021. Ten of his victories have come by way of knockout, a testament to his striking prowess. Standing 163 cm tall and weighing 56.7 kg, Rocha brings compact power to the cage. His recent loss to Clayton Carpenter via a rear-naked choke submission was a setback, but a fighter with Rocha`s experience and knockout power rarely stays down for long. The Brazilian faithful will undoubtedly be roaring for their compatriot to reclaim his winning ways on home soil.
Stewart Nicoll: The Australian Contender
From the shores of Australia comes Stewart Nicoll, a fighter who embarked on his professional journey in May 2022. In a relatively short span, Nicoll has amassed an impressive 8 wins against just 1 loss, with four of those victories ending by knockout. At 165 cm and 56.7 kg, Nicoll matches Rocha in height and weight, setting the stage for a physically balanced contest. His recent bout saw him fall to Jesus Santos Aguilar`s guillotine choke. For Nicoll, this fight represents a crucial opportunity to demonstrate his ability to adapt and overcome adversity against a seasoned opponent in a hostile environment.
The Stakes: More Than Just a Win
For both Rocha and Nicoll, this fight is less about simply adding a `W` to their record and more about course correction. Coming off submission losses, each fighter will be keen to display improved defensive grappling and a renewed sense of aggression. It`s a classic crossroads bout where the winner catapults forward, and the loser faces a more arduous climb. The flyweight division is a shark tank, and showing any weakness can be detrimental. Expect both men to fight with a heightened sense of urgency and desperation.
Betting Odds: A Closely Matched Affair
The betting lines reflect the competitive nature of this matchup, hinting at a truly unpredictable contest. Lucas Rocha is currently positioned as the slight favorite, but the margins are razor-thin, suggesting that oddsmakers anticipate a genuinely close battle. Nicoll, despite being the underdog, is not far behind, making this a high-value fight for those looking for potential upsets.
| Fighter | Moneyline Odds | Method of Victory: KO/TKO or Disqualification | Method of Victory: Decision or Technical Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucas Rocha | 2.0 (+102) | 3.4 (+235) | 7.0 (+600) |
| Stewart Nicoll | 2.0 (-105) | 8.0 (+700) | 3.8 (+280) |
Rocha`s significantly lower odds for a KO/TKO victory underscore his reputation as a power puncher, while Nicoll`s better odds for a decision win suggest a strategic, perhaps more drawn-out approach. This dichotomy promises a fascinating clash of styles.
How to Catch the Action
UFC Fight Night 261, including the Lucas Rocha vs. Stewart Nicoll bout, will be available for streaming via UFC Fight Pass. The main card is scheduled to kick off at 04:00 PM EST, with Rocha and Nicoll expected to make their ring walks around 04:40 PM EST, though this time is always subject to change based on the preceding fights. For viewers around the globe, ensuring you tune in at the correct local time will be key to catching every moment of this pivotal fight night.
Full Fight Card Overview
Beyond the flyweight showdown, UFC Fight Night 261 boasts a stacked card featuring a mix of established veterans and rising contenders:
- Charles Oliveira vs Mateusz Gamrot
- Deiveson Figueiredo vs Montel Jackson
- Vicente Luque vs Joel Alvarez
- Jhonata Diniz vs Mario Pinto
- Ricardo Ramos vs Kaan Ofli
- Lucas Almeida vs Michael Aswell
- Jafel Filho vs Clayton Carpenter
- Vitor Petrino vs Thomas Petersen
- Luan Lacerda vs Saimon Oliveira
- Lucas Rocha vs Stewart Nicoll
- Julia Polastri vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz
- Beatriz Mesquita vs Irina Alekseeva
The stage is set for an electrifying night of mixed martial arts. For Lucas Rocha and Stewart Nicoll, the bright lights of Rio de Janeiro offer a chance not just to win, but to emphatically declare their continued relevance in the flyweight division. After tasting defeat, both are undoubtedly hungry for victory, eager to prove that their recent losses were merely a momentary stumble, not a sign of things to come. Expect fireworks.
Felix Harwood