2025 UFC event schedule: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape on tap to close out the year

The main event between Royval and Kape is positioned as a de facto title eliminator, with the winner poised to make a compelling case for a shot at the newly crowned flyweight champion, Joshua Van. Van recently dethroned Alexandre Pantoja in a decisive performance at UFC 323, dramatically reshaping the landscape of the 125-pound division. The urgency for both Royval and Kape is palpable, as a victory would solidify their standing amongst the elite and potentially fast-track them to a championship opportunity early in the new year.

Brandon "Raw Dawg" Royval, currently ranked highly in the flyweight division, enters this contest with a professional record reflecting a dynamic and often aggressive fighting style. Known for his unorthodox striking and dangerous submission game, Royval has consistently delivered thrilling performances throughout his UFC tenure. His most recent outing saw him secure a crucial victory over rising Japanese contender Tatsuro Taira, a win that reaffirmed his position at the division’s apex. Prior to that, Royval engaged in a memorable, short-notice "Fight of the Year" contender against Joshua Van, a bout he ultimately lost but one that showcased his resilience and offensive capabilities. That experience against the current champion provides Royval with unique insight and motivation heading into this critical matchup. His path through the flyweight ranks has been characterized by high-stakes encounters, including previous title challenges, making his experience invaluable in this high-pressure environment. Royval’s ability to transition seamlessly between striking and grappling, coupled with his relentless pace, often overwhelms opponents and promises an exciting spectacle for fans.

Facing Royval across the Octagon is Manel "Prodigio" Kape, a fighter widely regarded for his explosive power, sharp striking, and charismatic presence. Kape, with a professional record that includes a series of impressive victories, has steadily climbed the flyweight ladder since joining the UFC. His journey has been marked by a combination of spectacular knockouts and dominant decision wins, establishing him as a legitimate threat to any opponent in the division. Kape’s striking prowess, characterized by speed, precision, and knockout power, makes him a dangerous proposition from the opening bell. His confidence and calculated aggression have allowed him to dismantle opponents, and he has often expressed his belief that he is the rightful heir to the flyweight throne.

The scheduled clash between Royval and Kape carries an added layer of narrative intrigue, as the pair have been slated to face each other twice previously in 2025, with each instance resulting in a cancellation due to various circumstances, including injuries or unforeseen withdrawals from both sides. This history has cultivated a simmering rivalry, injecting an additional competitive edge into their long-awaited encounter. Both fighters have publicly acknowledged the anticipation surrounding this matchup, with each expressing eagerness to finally settle their score inside the Octagon. The repeated delays have only served to heighten expectations, making their December 13 meeting one of the most anticipated non-title fights of the year.

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Beyond the headlining flyweight battle, the UFC Fight Night card features several other compelling matchups designed to captivate mixed martial arts enthusiasts. The co-main event will showcase a featherweight clash pitting the ranked Giga "Ninja" Chikadze (No. 15) against the unranked but promising Kevin Vallejos. Chikadze, known for his unique striking style and powerful "Giga Kick," will be looking to defend his coveted spot in the top 15 and rebound from recent setbacks. His dynamic striking background, stemming from a decorated kickboxing career, has made him a fan favorite, and a dominant performance against Vallejos could propel him back into contention talks. For Vallejos, this represents a significant opportunity to make a statement and break into the highly competitive featherweight rankings, potentially establishing himself as a new threat in the division.

The event also marks the much-anticipated UFC debut of former Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav "Dynamo" Amosov. Amosov, who arrives in the UFC with an impressive undefeated professional record from his time in Bellator, is widely considered one of the sport’s premier welterweights. His grappling-heavy style, characterized by relentless pressure, suffocating control, and powerful takedowns, has earned him comparisons to some of MMA’s most dominant wrestlers. His inaugural UFC test will come against veteran Neil Magny, a durable and experienced fighter who has faced a who’s who of the welterweight division over his extensive career. Magny, known for his ability to weather storms and grind out victories, serves as a quintessential gatekeeper, making this a true litmus test for Amosov’s transition to the sport’s biggest stage. A win over Magny would immediately establish Amosov as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s deep welterweight division.

Adding another layer of interest to the card is the sophomore UFC appearance of IBJFF Hall of Famer Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, one of the most decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes in history. Buchecha, who has successfully transitioned his elite grappling skills to mixed martial arts, will face heavyweight knockout artist Kennedy Nzechukwu. Buchecha’s highly anticipated UFC debut saw him secure a dominant first-round victory, showcasing his potential in the heavyweight division. Nzechukwu, known for his powerful striking and ability to finish fights, presents a stark stylistic challenge for Buchecha. This matchup will be a critical indicator of Buchecha’s continued development in MMA, testing his striking defense and overall versatility against a seasoned and dangerous opponent. His ability to impose his world-class grappling game against a heavy hitter like Nzechukwu will be a key storyline to watch.

The December 13 UFC Fight Night event holds additional significance as it marks the organization’s final event before a monumental shift in its media rights agreement. Starting in the new year, the UFC will transition its exclusive broadcast partnership to Paramount+, effectively nixing the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model that has been a cornerstone of its distribution strategy for decades. This landmark agreement, announced earlier in the year, signifies a strategic move towards a subscription-based streaming model for all UFC content, including major events. The partnership with Paramount+ aims to enhance accessibility for fans, offering all events as part of a single subscription service, a departure from the previous hybrid model involving ESPN+ and PPV purchases. This transition represents a significant evolution in how combat sports content is delivered to audiences and is expected to have far-reaching implications for the sport’s global reach and financial model.

The current UFC event schedule for 2025 culminates with this high-stakes event. Fans are encouraged to regularly check official UFC channels and SportsBreakNews.com for additional information on upcoming events and fight card updates throughout the year.

Upcoming UFC Schedule

Event	Date	Main event	Weight class	Location	TV
UFC Fight Night	Dec. 13	Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape	Flyweights	Las Vegas	ESPN+

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