Event: UFC Fight Night
Main Event: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape
Venue: UFC APEX, Las Vegas
Date: December 2025
UFC closes the year with a high-stakes flyweight main event as Brandon Royval takes on Manel Kape. This matchup has been scheduled more than once in the past and has finally become a reality.
With the flyweight division searching for its next clear title challenger, this fight carries serious importance.
Both fighters are ranked contenders, both prefer striking over heavy grappling, and both know a strong win here could put them one fight away from gold.
This article breaks down the full card, main event analysis, betting insight, and final predictions.
Main Event: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape – Fight Analysis
This is a classic striker vs striker matchup with hidden grappling threats on both sides. While both men are capable on the ground, their best work happens on the feet.
Brandon Royval – Fighter Breakdown
- Height: 1.75 m
- Stance: Southpaw
- Style: Pressure striker with dangerous submissions
Brandon Royval has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive fighters in the flyweight division.
He constantly pushes the pace, throws from awkward angles, and is never afraid to engage in wild exchanges.
Royval is also extremely dangerous in scrambles, especially when opponents get careless.
He was once viewed as the next guaranteed title challenger, but a loss to current champion Joshua Van slowed that momentum.
This fight is Royval’s chance to re-establish himself as a top contender.
Manel Kape – Fighter Breakdown
- Height: 1.65 m
- Stance: Southpaw
- Style: Technical striker with knockout power
Manel Kape is one of the sharpest strikers in the flyweight division. His hand speed, timing, and counterstriking are elite.
Unlike Royval, Kape prefers a more measured approach, picking shots rather than overwhelming opponents with volume.
Kape has championship-level skills and believes he belongs at the very top of the division. But Royval has a high advantage, which will be a key factor. A TKO win here for Brandon Royval in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Style Matchup: Who Has the Edge?
Striking
Both fighters are southpaws, which makes this matchup even more interesting. Royval holds a clear height and reach advantage, which allows him to attack from distance with long combinations and kicks.
However, Kape is more precise. His counters are clean, and his power is real. If Royval becomes reckless, Kape can end the fight quickly.
Striking edge: Slight advantage to Royval due to height and volume, but Kape is more dangerous shot-for-shot.
Grappling
Neither fighter relies heavily on wrestling, but Royval is more active in submission attempts. Kape has strong takedown defense and prefers to keep the fight standing.
Grappling edge: Royval
Cardio & Pace
Royval thrives in chaos and high-tempo fights. Kape has improved his cardio but still prefers a controlled pace.
Pace advantage: Royval
Main Event Prediction
This fight is expected to be competitive and intense. Royval will pressure, throw volume, and try to use his length. Kape will look to counter and land cleaner shots.
While Kape has knockout power, Royval’s pace, size, and durability give him the slight edge over five rounds.
Final Pick: Brandon Royval wins
- Probability: 60% Royval / 40% Kape
- Method: TKO
Co-Main Event Breakdown
Giga Chikadze vs. Kevin Vallejos
This featherweight matchup pits experience against youth. Chikadze is a proven kickboxer with elite striking, but Vallejos brings speed, pressure, and hunger.
Prediction: Kevin Vallejos by TKO
Vallejos’s pace and aggression could overwhelm Chikadze over three rounds.
Main Card Predictions
Cesar Almeida vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk
A striking-heavy matchup with finish potential.
Pick: Oleksiejczuk by decision
Melquizael Costa vs. Morgan Charriere
Costa’s grappling vs Charriere’s defensive awareness.
Pick: Charriere by decision
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcus Buchecha
Size, strength, and grappling advantage favor Buchecha.
Pick: Buchecha by decision
King Green vs. Lance Gibson Jr.
Veteran experience matters here.
Pick: King Green by decision
Preliminary Card Predictions
Amanda Lemos vs. Gillian Robertson
High-level ground game vs striking power.
Pick: Gillian Robertson by decision
Joanderson Brito vs. Isaac Thomson
Explosive matchup with upset potential.
Pick: Isaac Thomson by TKO
Neil Magny vs. Yaroslav Amosov
Experience vs elite grappling.
Pick: Amosov by decision
Sean Sharaf vs. Steven Asplund
Heavyweight power fight.
Pick: Asplund by KO
Luana Santos vs. Melissa Croden
Technical bantamweight clash.
Pick: Santos by decision
Allen Frye vs. Guilherme Pat
Unbeaten prospect making a statement.
Pick: Frye by KO/TKO
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Flyweight Title Picture
The winner of Royval vs. Kape puts himself directly in line for a title shot in 2026.
2. Redemption vs Breakthrough
Royval wants redemption after losing his title chance. Kape wants his first real title opportunity.
3. Fight Style Clash
Volume vs precision. Pace vs patience. This main event is a true test of styles.
Final Fight Night Picks Summary
| Fight | Winner | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Royval vs Kape | Royval | TKO |
| Chikadze vs Vallejos | Vallejos | TKO |
| Almeida vs Oleksiejczuk | Oleksiejczuk | Decision |
| Costa vs Charriere | Charriere | Decision |
| Nzechukwu vs Buchecha | Buchecha | Decision |
| Green vs Gibson Jr. | Green | Decision |
| Lemos vs Robertson | Robertson | Decision |
| Brito vs Thomson | Thomson | KO |
| Magny vs Amosov | Amosov | Decision |
| Sharaf vs Asplund | Asplund | KO |
| Santos vs Croden | Santos | Decision |
| Frye vs Pat | Frye | KO |
Final Thoughts
UFC Fight Night: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape delivers everything fans want: divisional stakes, elite striking, and a main event that matters.
With both fighters capable of changing the fight in a single moment, this is a must-watch card for MMA fans.
If Royval wins, he puts himself back on the title path. If Kape wins, the flyweight division gets a fresh and dangerous challenger.
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