Report: Nicolau-Kape 2 to headline April 27 UFC card

A rematch between flyweight contenders Matheus Nicolau and Manel Kape has been rescheduled for the UFC Fight Night main event April 27 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, sources told MMA Fighting's Damon Martin.

Nicolau and Kape were slated to meet Jan. 13 in the co-headliner of the first UFC event of 2024. Nicolau declined the fight after Kape missed weight by 3.5 pounds.

They first squared off in March 2021, with Nicolau winning by split decision.

Nicolau, ranked No. 5 in the division, is coming off a first-round knockout loss to former title challenger Brandon Royval last April. The Brazilian had won six straight before that defeat.

Kape is riding a four-fight winning streak. The No. 6-ranked contender's most recent triumph came via unanimous decision against Felipe dos Santos at UFC 293 last September.