A lightweight bout between Nikolas Motta and Dom Mar Fan is slated for UFC Doha on November 21. The matchup adds to the card for the Doha event.
A lightweight fight between Nikolas Motta and Dom Mar Fan has been added to the UFC Doha card on November 21, giving the event another 155-pound matchup.
Motta, a 33-year-old Brazilian who trains out of Nova Uniao, brings a 15-6-0 record into the bout. Nicknamed "Iron," the orthodox fighter stands five-foot-nine with a 70-inch reach. He lands 3.64 significant strikes per minute at 37 percent accuracy, and he has not leaned on grappling in the UFC, averaging no takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Mar Fan is the younger man at 26, carrying a 9-3-0 record. Known as "Street Buddha," he is also orthodox but holds clear physical advantages, standing five-foot-eleven with a 75-inch reach, five inches more than Motta. His output is similar at 3.71 significant strikes per minute, though he is far more precise, landing 56 percent of his strikes. He also mixes in wrestling, averaging two takedowns per 15 minutes along with 0.3 submission attempts.
Why it matters
- The matchup pairs a veteran with 21 pro fights against a younger fighter with 12, a classic experience-versus-upside test in the lightweight division.
- Mar Fan's reach and striking accuracy give him a measurable edge on the feet, while Motta will need to close the distance against a longer opponent.
- Mar Fan's takedown average adds a wrestling threat that Motta's numbers suggest he rarely uses himself.
- The bout fills out the Doha card, which takes place November 21.
