Overview
- Nickal scored a KO via head kick at 2:24 of Round 3 to improve his record to 8-1.
- The matchup served as the featured preliminary middleweight bout at Madison Square Garden.
- Across the first two rounds, Nickal outstruck Vieira, opened a cut, and stuffed all six takedown attempts.
- He celebrated by climbing the cage and flashing double middle fingers, then told the crowd to “pick one” after boos turned to cheers.
- Fighters and fans praised the finish as a statement rebound, with some outlets suggesting it could draw a Performance of the Night bonus.