Overview
- Nickal (7-1) faces Vieira (11-3) on Nov. 15 at MSG in the featured preliminary bout following a reshuffle from an initially planned main-card slot.
- Sportsbooks list Nickal as a moderate favorite, with lines reported opening around -160 to -180 and at times moving near -220, while Vieira has ranged roughly +140 to +185.
- After his first pro defeat to Reinier de Ridder in May, Nickal said he changed “a lot” mentally and welcomed lessons from the setback rather than lashing out at critics.
- Nickal noted he received unexpected support after the loss and acknowledged past arrogance about card placement, saying he is content to headline the prelims.
- Vieira downplayed a pure wrestling-vs-BJJ narrative, saying he prepared for a complete MMA fight that includes striking and grappling.