Even though he hadn’t stepped into the cage since October 2017, Nascimento showed no signs of rust or regression, strolling into the Octagon and securing a first-round submission win.
Early in the contest, the heavyweights traded low kicks and jabs as they both looked to establish their range and feel the other man out. After clinching up along the cage, Martinek looked for a body lock takedown but didn’t have the muscle to toss Nascimento to the mat, with the Brazilian landing in top position. From there, it was academic.
Following a handful of short shots and positional advances, Nascimento threatened to move to mount, but instead used the opportunity to lock up an arm triangle choke, quickly slipping off to the side, going knee on belly and securing the tap to wrap up an impressive showing to kick off Week 6 inside the UFC Apex.