As the curtain falls on the UFC's 2025 season, there's one last explosive event to ignite your fight fever before the big move to Paramount+ in January. But here's the kicker: this weekend's UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape isn't just a finale—it's a showdown of delayed destiny.
Imagine this: two flyweight powerhouses, Brandon Royval and Manel Kape, finally stepping into the Octagon after a twice-postponed clash. This isn't just a fight; it's a statement to close out the year with a bang. And this is just the main event!
Here’s the lowdown on what’s going down at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, streaming live on ESPN+:
Main Event: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape
This flyweight showdown has been a year in the making—literally. Royval, the 33-year-old Colorado native known as “Raw Dawg,” is looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Joshua Van at UFC 317. Despite the setback, he snagged another Fight of the Night bonus, proving he’s a fan favorite. But here’s the twist: Royval’s been battling ranked opponents since 2020, and this fight is his chance to reclaim his spot at the top of the 125-pound division.
Kape, on the other hand, has been on a tear. After a rocky start in the UFC, “Starboy” has strung together back-to-back stoppages and six wins in his last seven fights. A victory here could catapult him into title contention in 2026. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Kape’s momentum overcome Royval’s grit? Or will Royval’s experience edge out Kape’s rising star?
Additional Main Card Matchups
Giga Chikadze vs. Kevin Vallejos
In the featherweight division, it’s experience versus youth. Giga Chikadze, the No. 15-ranked Georgian kickboxer, is aiming to snap a two-fight losing streak and reclaim his form. Meanwhile, Kevin Vallejos, the 23-year-old Argentinian sensation, is undefeated in the UFC and looking to crack the rankings. The question is: Can the veteran Chikadze halt the rookie’s rise, or will Vallejos prove he’s the future of the division?
Cesar Almeida vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk
Middleweight action heats up with two DWCS graduates. Almeida, a 37-year-old Brazilian kickboxer, is riding a wave of momentum after a knockout win over Abdul Razak Alhassan. Oleksiejczuk, the 25-year-old Polish newcomer, earned his UFC contract with a 36-second stoppage. With a 12-year age gap, this fight pits seasoned precision against youthful aggression. Who will come out on top?
Melquizael Costa vs. Morgan Charriere
Two featherweights known for their thrilling fights collide. Costa is on a four-fight winning streak, while Charriere alternates between wins and losses. Both are knocking on the door of the Top 15, but only one can take the next step. Who will it be?
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcus Buchecha
In the heavyweight division, two fighters looking to rebound from recent losses face off. Nzechukwu, a DWCS alum, aims to regain his momentum after a submission loss. Buchecha, a 15-time BJJ world champion, is still searching for his first UFC win. Can either man make a statement to kickstart their 2026 campaign?
Preliminary Card Pairings
The prelims are stacked with talent, including a Top 10 strawweight clash between Amanda Lemos and Gillian Robertson. Lemos is looking to solidify her ranking, while Robertson is on a four-fight winning streak. Who will emerge as the contender?
Other prelim highlights include Neil Magny welcoming Yaroslav Amosov to the welterweight division, and undefeated heavyweights Allen Frye Jr. and Guilherme Pat making their UFC debuts. Will the newcomers make a splash, or will experience prevail?
Final Thoughts
This event is more than just a finale—it’s a launching pad for 2026. With so many fighters on the cusp of greatness, every punch, kick, and submission could reshape their divisions. But here’s the real question: Who will rise, and who will fall? Tune in to UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape on December 13th to find out. Prelims start at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT, with the main card kicking off at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. Don’t miss it!
