The final UFC main event of 2025 went the way of Manel Kape at UFC on ESPN 73 as he further emerged as a flyweight title contender against Brandon Royval
In an important spot for his career, Kape (21-8 MMA, 6-4 UFC) produced the quickest win of his octagon tenure when he dropped and stopped Royval (17-9 MMA, 7-5 UFC) just over three minutes into the opening round at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, closing the year on a high and putting his name into contention.
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Kape called for a shot at 125-pound champion Joshua Van (15-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) after his win, and got a warm reaction and potential date for it to happen. With former champ Alexandre Pantoja eager to rematch, and Tatsuro Taira in position as a contender, as well, did Kape do enough to swing the fortunes in his favor and get the next opportunity?
Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Kape’s future after UFC on ESPN 73.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 112 matchmaker: Who’s next for Manel Kape after win?
