Full Breakdown
Manel Kape Knocks Out Brandon Royval in UFC Vegas 112 Main Event
12/14/2025, 9:14:29 PM
High-Stakes Flyweight Clash Concludes 2025 UFC Schedule
The final UFC event of 2025, UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape, took place on December 13 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, featuring a pivotal flyweight matchup between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. Kape emerged victorious, delivering a first-round TKO at 3:18, solidifying his position as a top contender in the division.
Fight Overview
Manel Kape (22-8 MMA, 7-3 UFC) faced Brandon Royval (17-9 MMA, 7-5 UFC) in a highly anticipated bout that had been rescheduled multiple times due to injuries. Kape, ranked No. 6, was looking to extend his winning streak to three, while Royval, ranked No. 2, aimed to bounce back from a recent title fight loss to Joshua Van. Kape's strategy involved pressuring Royval early, which paid off when he landed a decisive right hook that dropped Royval, followed by a flurry of punches that prompted referee Herb Dean to stop the fight.
Implications for the Flyweight Division
Kape's victory places him firmly in the conversation for a title shot against newly crowned champion Joshua Van. In his post-fight interview, Kape expressed his desire for a championship bout, stating, "Joshua Van, you replaced me, now you have my belt... Let's fight in Houston [in February]. Sign the contract." This win not only enhances Kape's standing but also complicates the title picture, with contenders like Tatsuro Taira also in the mix.
Co-Main Event Highlights
The co-main event featured featherweight contenders Giga Chikadze and Kevin Vallejos. Vallejos (17-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) delivered a stunning performance, knocking out Chikadze (15-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC) with a spinning backfist in the second round. This victory marks Vallejos' third consecutive win in the UFC and positions him as a rising star in the featherweight division.
Additional Fight Results
The event showcased several notable performances:
- Cezary Oleksiejczuk defeated Cesar Almeida by unanimous decision.
- Melquizael Costa scored a first-round knockout against Morgan Charrière.
- Yaroslav Amosov submitted Neil Magny in the first round.
- Steven Asplund won his debut against Sean Sharaf via TKO.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the event, Kape's emphatic win drew attention from UFC officials and fans alike. UFC President Dana White highlighted the significance of Kape's performance, suggesting it could lead to a title shot. Kape's assertive call-out of Van further emphasizes the competitive nature of the flyweight division as it heads into 2026.
What's Next
With UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape marking the end of the UFC's partnership with ESPN, the promotion will transition to Paramount+ for its upcoming events, starting with UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. The flyweight division remains dynamic, with Kape, Van, and Taira all vying for the championship, promising an exciting year ahead for MMA fans.
