The UFC has announced an exciting addition to their already impressive fight card for November 21 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Nikolas Motta will make his first appearance of the year in a lightweight bout against Dom Mar Fan at the ABHA Arena during UFC Qatar.
Heavy.com has confirmed this matchup through multiple sources. Both fighters are aiming to rebound following their last outings—Motta suffered a loss in a thrilling 2025 battle against Nazim Sadykhov, while Mar Fan was defeated in his UFC debut earlier this year by Kody Steele.
Nikolas Motta, a 33-year-old Brazilian, began his professional MMA career in 2012, primarily competing in Shooto Brasil. After compiling an 8-2 record there, he relocated to the United States to pursue a UFC career. In 2019, Motta captured the CFFC title and earned a spot on the 2020 Contender Series, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Joseph Lowry, earning a UFC contract. His early UFC run was challenging, managing only one win in his first four fights.
Due to a no contest in his fourth UFC fight, the organization granted Motta another opportunity in 2024 against the undefeated prospect Tom Nolan. Despite being the underdog, Motta knocked Nolan out in the first round. He later defeated Maheshate and went on to have an acclaimed bout with Nazim Sadykhov in Baku, which he lost by a second-round knockout, with both earning Performance and Fight of the Night honors. Motta is now back in the Octagon, facing Dom Mar Fan.
Dom Mar Fan competed as an amateur for three years before turning pro in 2021. The Australian remained with the Eternal MMA promotion, compiling a 6-2 record, with both losses coming to current UFC lightweight contender Quillan Salkilld. After his loss in the title fight against Salkilld, Mar Fan notched two more wins and entered the 2025 Road to UFC tournament. He defeated Yuji Ephoeviga and Jae Hyun Park by unanimous decision, advancing to face Sang Uk Kim in the tournament finale. Winning that bout by unanimous decision earned him a UFC contract earlier this year.
Mar Fan made his official UFC debut four months after the finale but was submitted via heel hook by Kody Steele in the first round. Now preparing for his second UFC fight, he looks to secure his first Octagon victory against Motta.
The UFC Qatar event will also feature notable fights including Jiri Prochazka vs. Navajo Stirling, Aljamain Sterling vs. Kevin Vallejos, Dan Hooker vs. Brian Ortega, and several others, building a dynamic fight night lineup.
Fan Take: This matchup between Motta and Mar Fan is a must-watch for fight enthusiasts as both athletes are hungry to prove themselves on a big stage. Their clash could significantly impact the lightweight division’s competitive landscape, potentially propelling the winner into higher-profile bouts and adding fresh excitement to the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
