Alessandro Costa finished Stewart Nicoll with a hard liver shot in the closing seconds of the second round during the prelims of UFC Vegas 115.
Fight recap
The bout was on the UFC Vegas 115 card. Costa started strong in round one, pushing the pace and landing steady, calculated strikes while staying in control. Nicoll showed a flashier style but could not match Costa’s pressure.
Round two was more even. The two fighters traded shots and had moments of back-and-forth action. Costa added successful takedowns in the second, which helped him secure the round on the judges’ cards.
In the final seconds of round two, Costa landed a punch that hit Nicoll in the liver. Nicoll immediately crumpled in pain and the referee stopped the fight. The finish was a brutal liver-shot knockout.
What it means
The win gives Costa a memorable highlight on the UFC stage. He arrived in the promotion from Lux Fight League and is now 3-3 in the UFC. His two UFC losses came against top names Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg.
For Stewart Nicoll, the loss continues a difficult run since joining the UFC. He is 0-3 since arriving in 2024. The defeat raises questions about his next steps and whether changes will come in his camp or approach.
Fighter results
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Alessandro Costa | Win by liver-shot KO; now 3-3 in the UFC (entered from Lux Fight League) |
| Stewart Nicoll | Loss by liver-shot KO; 0-3 in the UFC since 2024 |
Looking ahead
Costa will likely ride momentum from this win. A highlight-reel finish like a liver-shot KO can help a fighter earn another matchup on a big card or a tougher opponent next time out.
Nicoll will need to regroup. A string of losses in the UFC usually forces a fighter to make adjustments in training or game plan. Fans and matchmakers will watch how both fighters respond in their next appearances.
