Tom ‘Big Train’ Nolan signs on to make UFC debut in Las Vegas in January 2024

The 23-year-old Toowoomba product is excited to be making his UFC debut in Las Vegas. Here are the details:

Toowoomba fighter Tom “Big Train” Nolan has signed on to make his UFC debut in Las Vegas in January.

The 23-year-old former MMA star entered the UFC lightweight division after a first round knock-out of experienced Austrian Bogdan Grad in the Dana White Contender Series Seven in Las Vegas in August.

His performance that night excited famous UFC promoter and MMA kingmaker Dana White who handed Nolan his first official UFC contract.

“6’3 (1.9m), 155lbs (70kg), he’s the extreme killer, only 23 years old,” White said of the Toowoomba product.

Toowoomba MMA fighter Tom "Big Train" Nolan is awarded the winner over Trevor Sinclair at the Gold Coast, November, 2021.

“The only thing I have to say about this kid is – you have a bright future, Tom Nolan.”

That future will start at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on January 13 (US time) when Nolan will take on the experienced Nikolas Motta.

The Brazilian born Motta has a record of 13 wins and five losses but stepping up doesn’t faze Nolan.

“I don’t expect it to go past the first round,” the 23-year-old told The Chronicle during a break in training at Team Compton Training Centre in Brisbane.

“And, it might be better for his health if it doesn’t.

“I was supposed to be fighting another bloke but he pulled out and Motta has stepped in.”

Since turning pro Nolan’s record to date is six wins and no losses and he has a 14 and one record over his amateur and professional career.

Tom "Big Train" Nolan heads to the cage for his next bout.

A plumber by trade, Nolan went full-time professional about six months ago but he still enjoys doing some physical training coaching.

Nolan will fly out for Las Vegas on January 7 to have a week’s training in the lead-up to the fight and return to Australia a few days after the bout.

His fans will be able to watch the fight live at the City Golf Club on Sunday, January 14.

“The City Golf Club is sponsoring me and the major watch party will be held there on the 14th of January,” Nolan said.