For Nikolas Motta, it’s excitement first, strategy second at UFC Macau

Nikolas Motta wants to light up the arena when he opens the UFC Macau card against Maheshate this Saturday morning in China.

The former CFFC lightweight champion said in an interview with MMA Fighting that his dream is to get a winning streak going under the UFC banner, something he’s yet to achieve following a 2-2 (1 NC) start in the company.

Yet, the Brazilian struggles with balancing game plans and excitement levels.

“At first, I’ll admit I was thinking maybe I’ll go for takedowns this time, I’ll use my jiu-jitsu and catch him, but late in the camp I was already focusing on the striking,” Motta said. “I want to feel how the fight goes and what happens in there. I have the Nova Uniao basics, the Jake Shields basics, and I add a few things here and there. I feel I’m already experienced enough [on the ground].”

Motta left Las Vegas for Thailand to do his camp with the Hickman brothers at Bangtao MMA gym as soon as he signed a deal to compete in China, and said his past camp in the gym had him “in shape real quick.”

“I was working on my grappling before leaving Las Vegas, and my wrestling and jiu-jitsu are so freaking good,” Motta said, “But you know how much I like to stand and trade and put on a show, put on a good performance. That’s what matters in the UFC.”

Competing in enemy territory isn’t something new for Motta, who was in that situation in four of six octagon appearances, and all four pre-UFC bouts since moving to the United States in 2017. With a record of 6-2 when facing opponents in their cities, states, or home countries, Motta said he likes being in that position.

“I think this is a good match-up and it has everything to be a great show,” Motta said of his clash with China’s Maheshate, a 10-3 lightweight with a 50 percent finish rate. “I can’t say for sure but I believe he has a Sanda style on the feet, and it’s great for me.”

Motta won’t think past UFC Macau before having his hands raised Saturday, his second victory in a row after knocking out Tom Nolan in just 63 seconds back in January. He hopes to be more active going forward because “that’s very important in the UFC.”

“I’m trying to focus each step a time and enjoy the moment and be grateful,” Motta said. “When I had tough times in this camp, I told myself, ‘Remember when you asked God for this opportunity.’ Every time I had adversities, I kept remembering to believe. It’s all good now, and I’m on point.”