UFC Fight Night 261 – Lucas Rocha vs Stewart Nicoll – Full Fight Replay Available Today

The fight between Lucas Rocha and Stewart Nicoll is scheduled for October 11, 2025, at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of UFC Fight Night 261, also known as UFC on ESPN+ 119. The bout is placed on the preliminary card of the event, which marks the UFC’s latest return to Rio and features several local fighters. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with Brazilian fans filling the arena to support their home athletes. Both Rocha and Nicoll will be looking to make a statement on a night filled with promising matchups.

There have been no reports of injuries or withdrawals affecting either fighter before the event. Both Lucas Rocha and Stewart Nicoll successfully made weight and are cleared to compete. No substitutes or late changes were announced for this contest, ensuring that the original matchup remains intact. Training camps for both fighters appear to have gone smoothly, with neither side indicating any physical issues or disruptions in preparation.

Tactically, Rocha’s camp is expected to emphasize stand-up striking and movement. He is known for his explosive combinations and power, particularly in exchanges where he can use quick counters to punish opponents closing distance. His team will likely aim to keep the fight standing and use distance control to avoid prolonged grappling. Nicoll’s strategy, by contrast, is expected to rely heavily on his wrestling base and ground control. His coaches are believed to have focused on applying early pressure, securing takedowns, and keeping Lucas Rocha on his back to limit his striking output. If Nicoll can control transitions on the mat, he may be able to wear Rocha down over three rounds.

In the press buildup to the fight, analysts and reporters have highlighted how stylistically balanced this matchup is. Media coverage has painted Rocha as the more dynamic striker, capable of ending the fight at any moment, while Nicoll is seen as the more disciplined and methodical fighter who can win through control and persistence. Betting odds and expert predictions have been close, reflecting the uncertainty over whether Rocha’s knockout power or Nicoll’s grappling endurance will prove decisive. Many previews have also pointed out that both fighters are still early in their UFC journeys and need a strong performance to move up in the ranks.

Studio analysts and commentators have presented this fight as one of the more intriguing contests on the undercard. Most believe that if Rocha can manage distance and keep the fight standing, he has the tools to earn a stoppage or decision victory. Others argue that Nicoll’s wrestling pedigree and pressure could neutralize Rocha’s striking advantage, particularly if he controls the cage and dominates ground time. The consensus from analysts is that this will be a close, competitive fight, with Rocha slightly favored due to his explosiveness and ability to change the fight’s momentum in a single moment.