Tom ‘Big Train’ Nolan looks to get back on track against Victor ‘The Brick’ Martinez this weekend

Just 53 seconds into his UFC debut in January, the Toowoomba southpaw loaded up on a straight left-right hook combo.

At the exact same time, his opponent, Nikolas Motta, threw the opposite combination – a left hook-right cross – from the orthodox stance.

Motta’s right hand landed flush on Nolan’s jaw.

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“I thought that it was actually a leg sweep, but then I was falling backwards, and it was like, ‘How has this happened? How am I on my back’,” Nolan says now ahead of his second fight in the UFC this weekend.

“Then I realised, ‘Oh, I must’ve got tagged’.”

In a game of inches like the UFC, it was all the opening Motta needed, and the Brazilian finished their lightweight bout moments later.

Riding a six-fight winning streak at the time, including four consecutive knockouts, there was a huge amount of expectation on Nolan’s shoulders, and the loss was a shock.

“There was some kickback, people weren’t happy,” he says. “But, that’s UFC fighting right?

“As soon as my fight was done, there was the next one, and that guy was getting harassed.

“It’s to be expected, but it just proved to me that I’ve just gotta fight for my team and my family, not the fans.

“I’m very long, so I can fight from range, but sometimes I step back and look to brawl because I know that makes for an entertaining fight.

“But, man, the fans are very fickle, so it’s just about winning. That’s the biggest lesson I learned from that fight – fight for my team, not the fans.”

Nolan believes any changes or adjustments are a matter of mindset rather than technique, fitness or style.

“I have a very large toolbox and I have lots of skills when it comes to fighting,” he said. “That last fight, I got very excited, I looked over and thought my opponent looked nervous.

“I didn’t think he even wanted to be in there, and I thought it would be a breeze.

“That played into it.

“So, I’m not changing my style up or anything. I’m not going to be a boring fighter, I’m still going to be the same killer.

“But I’m working on my patience, I’m going to pull back a little bit and use my long range weapons.”

Nolan had huge plans for 2024, calling out rising star Chase Hooper ahead of his debut.

And while his debut didn’t go to plan, he refuses to let one loss define him.

“I don’t think there’s a single other undefeated lightweight in the UFC,” he said. “I can’t think of one.

“Everyone has lost, so you can’t let one loss deter you. If you do, you probably shouldn’t be in here anyway, because it’s part of the game.

“Especially with the way I fight. I’ve always known that I’d have a few losses on my record because I go out there looking to hurt people, and sometimes those guys are absolute killers.”

This weekend, the ‘Big Train’ looks to get back on track against Victor ‘The Brick’ Martinez in Las Vegas.

Boasting a 13-5 record, the American Martinez has vastly more experience, but only has one win in the last five years.

In his second Octagon appearance, Nolan – a former Toowoomba Clydesdale – is intent on making a statement.

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“I see myself knocking him out, for sure,” he said. “I’m not sure what round it’s gonna be, or how my traps play out, but I do see a finish.

“I see an entertaining fight, because he’s tough, he’s dangerous and he walks forward.

“But, I’m much more comfortable in the UFC now, and I don’t think this one is going the distance.”