Matheus Nicolau Is Focused on His Next Fight, Not the Future

Matheus Nicolau talked with MMAjunkie about facing John Moraga at TUF 23 Finale and more. Some excerpts are below:

On his win over firned Bruno Korea: “My fight against Korea was a big challenge. Not only because he’s such a great martial artists or because of the danger he brings being so hard to decipher with those crazy kicks – there was also the personal side, because we met on ‘TUF.’ But the show gave me that baggage, to sort of put that on the side and be professional. I think it was good for two things: not only for when I’m about to fight a friend, which might happen in the future, but also for when I fight a guy who wants to destabilize or throw me off. I think I’ll be able to stay balanced. So it was good for that: There’s no friendship nor animosity; neither anger, nor love. None of it exists come fight time. I’m in there to do my job and beat my opponent.”

On facing Moraga: “Moraga is at the top of the flyweight division’s food chain. He’s fought the best. He fought for the belt, so I couldn’t picture a better opportunity, and that’s what I want. I’m here to fight the best. I train like a champion, I’m here to be champion. So there’s no way around it: I need to fight the best. That is what I like – I like challenges, and I’m preparing myself very well to complete yet another mission and reach yet another goal. He’s very dangerous and experienced, but I believe I have good weapons that will lead me to a win.”

On his own evolution as a fighter: “It’s been great and productive, I think I’ve evolved a lot since I came here. We’re working towards minimizing the danger offered by Moraga and work with his weapons. I have an arsenal that I think will be very interesting to fight him. It’s nice to change and get out of your comfort zone. I’m a pilgrim, always searching for evolution. I gave my life to martial arts, and I’m always looking to evolve as a martial artist. I always say this: I think we need to be different fighters with every fight. MMA is a fast-evolving sport and that’s what I’m searching for. That’s why I’m going around the world, looking to evolve. I think today I’m a much different fighter than I was when I fought Korea.”

On his goals: “I don’t know about the future. Right now all my energy and focus are toward Moraga. That’s my next mission, that’s the next step in my career: beating John Moraga. After I’ve completed this mission, I’ll think about what’s next.”