Fireworks Close Out UFC’s 2025 Calendar: Brandon Royval Battles Manel Kape in Vegas Showdown
Get ready for an explosive end to the UFC calendar year! The final UFC event of 2025 takes place at the iconic UFC APEX in Las Vegas, and it’s headlined by an electrifying flyweight matchup between No. 3 contender Brandon Royval and No. 6 ranked Manel Kape. Both fighters are known for chaos inside the Octagon—so expect nonstop action from the opening bell. But here’s where things get interesting: both men are eyeing more than a win—they’re chasing a shot at flyweight gold.
Joining them on the card, featherweight veteran Giga Chikadze (No. 15) returns to action against rising Argentinian star Kevin Vallejos, a fighter quickly gaining momentum in the division.
Event Details
UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape takes place on Saturday, December 13, live from Las Vegas. Fans can catch the prelims on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with ESPN2 joining the broadcast at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT. The main card starts at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+.
For those who want to experience the thrill up close, UFC APEX VIP Experience packages are available through On Location, UFC’s official VIP partner. These exclusive packages feature premium seating, in-seat beverage service, full hospitality, and meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls. Details are available at UFCVIP.com.
Royval vs. Kape: Flyweight Madness
Brandon Royval (17-8, Englewood, Colorado) is looking to cap off his year by re-establishing himself as a top title contender. Known for his high-octane style and relentless scrambles, Royval holds the record for the most Fight of the Night bonuses in UFC flyweight history—five in total. His memorable victories over Tatsuro Taira, Matt Schnell, and Kai Kara-France cement him as one of the division’s most entertaining warriors. A victory on December 13 could push him right back into title conversations.
Facing him is the always-dangerous Manel Kape (21-7, Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal), who’s making his second consecutive main event appearance. Kape is tied for the second-most knockouts in UFC flyweight history—a testament to his explosive power and killer instinct. He’s earned stoppage wins against tough names such as Asu Almabayev, Zhalgas Zhumagulov, and Ode’ Osbourne. This time, Kape aims to storm into the division’s top five by taking out Royval in dominant fashion. But here’s the twist—can his knockout-heavy style outlast Royval’s wild pace?
Chikadze vs. Vallejos: Striking Clinic Incoming
Featherweight striker Giga Chikadze (15-5, Huntington Beach, California) returns with one goal: to prove he’s still a threat among the division’s elite. Known for his lethal kicks and trademark “Giga Kick,” the Karate black belt holds impressive knockout wins over Edson Barboza, Cub Swanson, and Jamey Simmons. He now plans to derail Vallejos’ undefeated UFC streak and send a message to the division’s top contenders.
Kevin Vallejos (16-1, Buenos Aires, Argentina) represents the new wave of South American talent. At just 23 years old, he’s already 3-0 inside the UFC, defeating Danny Silva, SeungWoo Choi, and Cam Teague. His goal is clear—become the first fighter to knock out Chikadze and cement his place in the featherweight rankings. But can youth and hunger overcome Chikadze’s experience and precision? Debate below, because opinions are bound to split on this one.
Additional Fights on the Card
- Neil Magny (31-14, Denver, Colorado) welcomes highly decorated newcomer Yaroslav Amosav (28-1, Kyiv, Ukraine) in an intriguing welterweight matchup. Experience vs. momentum—who wins?
- Strawweight showdown: Amanda Lemos (15-5-1, Pará, Brazil) defends her No. 5 ranking against submission specialist Gillian Robertson (16-8, Coconut Creek, Florida).
- Heavyweights collide as Kennedy Nzechukwu (14-6, Dallas, Texas) meets Marcus Buchecha (5-2, Boca Raton, Florida), a world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion making another attempt to shine in MMA.
- Featherweight brawl alert: Joanderson Brito (17-5-1, São Paulo, Brazil) faces power-puncher Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-3, Glendale, California).
- More featherweight fire: Melquizael Costa (24-7, Pará, Brazil) takes on French fan-favorite Morgan Charriere (21-11-1, Poissy, France).
- Middleweights go to war as Cesar Almeida (7-1, São Paulo, Brazil) clashes with Cezary Oleksiejczuk (16-3, Łęczna, Poland).
- Heavyweight prospects Sean Sharaf (4-1, Las Vegas, Nevada) and Steven Asplund (6-1, Minneapolis, Minnesota) both chase their first UFC victory.
- No. 15 bantamweight Luana Santos (9-2, São Paulo, Brazil) faces off against striking standout Melissa Croden (7-2, Calgary, Canada).
- Two undefeated heavyweights debut as Allen Frye Jr. (6-0, Wilmington, North Carolina) meets Guilherme Pat (5-0, São Paulo, Brazil) in a battle of rising knockout artists.
- In the women’s flyweight division, Jamey-Lyn Horth (8-2, British Columbia, Canada) takes on gifted grappler Tereza Bleda (7-1, Prague, Czech Republic).
Don’t Miss the Action
Stay updated on all bout announcements and event details at UFC.com. Fight lineups are always subject to change, so keep an eye on official channels for updates or apply for credentials here.
UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape promises to deliver high drama as the final event of 2025 closes the year with adrenaline, rivalries, and maybe a defining knockout or two. Who are you backing—Royval’s chaos or Kape’s precision striking? Let’s hear your predictions below!
