UFC Concludes ESPN Partnership with Stacked Vegas 112 Card Featuring Royval-Kape Main Event

Las Vegas, NV – The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to close out its significant broadcast partnership with ESPN on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with UFC Vegas 112 emanating from the UFC APEX. This event marks the culmination of the "ESPN era" before the promotion transitions to a new broadcast agreement with Paramount, commencing in 2026. Headlining the card is a highly anticipated flyweight clash between No. 3-ranked Brandon Royval and No. 6-ranked Manel Kape, a bout that promises high-octane action to cap off an era.

The fight card for UFC Vegas 112 presents a diverse lineup, described by some as a "classic smorgasbord" of matchups. Beyond the main event, the card features a blend of veteran presence and burgeoning talent across multiple divisions, including three heavyweight contests. Notable matchups include featherweight stalwart Giga Chikadze against rising prospect Kevin Vallejos in the co-main event, and a pivotal preliminary strawweight bout between Amanda Lemos and Gillian Robertson. The event also offers another opportunity for acclaimed grappling specialist Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida to establish himself in the heavyweight division, alongside the return of veteran Neil Magny in a compelling welterweight fixture against former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov.

Event Details:

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• What: UFC Vegas 112
• Where: UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada
• When: Saturday, December 13, 2025
• Broadcast: The seven-fight preliminary card is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+, followed by a six-fight main card at 10 p.m. ET, also available on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

Main Event: Brandon Royval (3) vs. Manel Kape (6) – Flyweight Division

The flyweight division takes center stage as Brandon Royval (16-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC), currently ranked No. 3, faces No. 6-ranked Manel Kape (20-7 MMA, 5-3 UFC). Kape, who transitioned to the UFC from RIZIN, has long been a captivating figure due to his dynamic striking and significant in-cage charisma. Known for his knockout power, a rare attribute in the 125-pound division, Kape has demonstrated moments where he appears poised for championship contention. However, his UFC tenure has also been marked by historical inconsistencies and a tendency to "goof around" in the cage, which has sometimes hindered his performances.

Royval, conversely, is recognized for his relentless aggression and high-volume output. He typically initiates engagements at a frantic pace, aiming to overwhelm opponents from the opening bell. This stylistic clash is expected to create an immediate and sustained offensive battle. For Kape, the challenge will be to maintain focus and capitalize on Royval’s forward pressure without ceding early rounds due to excessive patience or showboating. While Kape often thrives when opponents bring the fight to him, giving away rounds against a relentless competitor like Royval could prove costly, potentially necessitating a finish.

The strategic forecast for this bout suggests that Royval’s high-risk, high-reward approach may ultimately play into Kape’s hands. As Royval consistently pushes the pace, he may create openings that Kape, known for his ability to discern tells and timing, can exploit. Kape’s striking consistency, once established, could be the decisive factor. Despite Royval’s proven resilience, Kape possesses the necessary firepower to secure a stoppage, which would significantly bolster his claim for a future title shot. The prediction leans towards a victory for Kape, potentially via knockout, as he capitalizes on Royval’s aggressive tendencies.

Pick: Manel Kape

Co-Main Event: Giga Chikadze (15-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) vs. Kevin Vallejos (13-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) – Featherweight Division

The co-main event features a compelling generational clash in the featherweight division, pitting veteran striker Giga Chikadze against the rapidly ascending prospect Kevin Vallejos. Chikadze, at 37 years old, brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished kickboxing background, possessing outstanding technical striking skills that have allowed him to remain competitive against top-tier opponents. His ability to adapt mid-fight and exploit weaknesses has been a hallmark of his career.

However, Vallejos, at 24 years old, represents the new wave of talent in the 145-pound division. "El Chino" boasts a professional record of 13 wins and only one loss, and is considered a potential future champion. His youthful dynamism and aggressive style are expected to pose a significant challenge for Chikadze. Vallejos is known for his fast starts and high-pressure attacks, which could deny Chikadze the time and space he typically requires to analyze and counter his opponents.

For Vallejos, this fight serves as a crucial test against a respected veteran. An impressive performance would further solidify his position as a legitimate contender, maintaining the momentum of his rising career. Conversely, a loss or even an unconvincing decision victory could raise questions about his readiness for the division’s elite. The expectation is that Vallejos will leverage his speed and power, finding the openings to secure a knockout finish that Chikadze’s recent opponents have been unable to. Such a victory would likely see Vallejos enter the official UFC rankings following the event.

Pick: Kevin Vallejos

Main Card Bout: Cesar Almeida (5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk (12-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) – Middleweight Division

Matchmakers have positioned this middleweight encounter as a likely source of excitement and a potential finish for the main card. Cesar Almeida, making his UFC debut after a successful Contender Series appearance, faces Cezary Oleksiejczuk, another Contender Series graduate. Oleksiejczuk arrives with a strong European pedigree, showcasing A-level boxing skills, effective use of his reach, and fast hands that allow him to string together combinations culminating in power shots. His style suggests an aggressive, volume-based approach.

Almeida is known for his methodical pressure, often walking down opponents while meticulously setting up precision strikes. His striking defense has historically been robust, indicating a cautious yet potent counter-striking game. The matchup presents an intriguing stylistic puzzle: Oleksiejczuk’s length and rapid-fire offense against Almeida’s defensive acumen and measured power. Inactivity could be a concern for Almeida if the fight extends to the judges’ scorecards, though a finish is widely anticipated.

The bout is expected to test Oleksiejczuk’s chin against Almeida’s power. Should Oleksiejczuk consistently beat Almeida to the punch, his volume and accuracy could overwhelm the Brazilian, leading to a knockout. Conversely, Almeida’s patient approach could allow him to land a significant counter. The prediction favors Oleksiejczuk to maintain his offensive rhythm and secure a knockout victory.

Pick: Cezary Oleksiejczuk

Main Card Bout: Melquizael Costa (21-6 MMA, 3-2 UFC) vs. Morgan Charriere (19-9-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) – Featherweight Division

This featherweight clash is anticipated to be a "banger," featuring two exciting fighters. Melquizael Costa enters on an impressive five-fight win streak at 145 pounds, having secured victories over notable competitors such as Julian Erosa, Christian Rodriguez, and Andre Fili. His recent form demonstrates significant growth and consistency within the division.

Morgan Charriere, known as "The Last Pirate," has established a reputation for excitement since his UFC signing in 2023. While his UFC record stands at 3-2, all three of his victories have earned Performance of the Night bonuses, and he also received a Fight of the Night award in a competitive loss to Chepe Mariscal. Charriere’s preference for striking and his pursuit of knockout finishes are well-documented.

The critical distinction in this matchup lies in Costa’s versatility. While Charriere will likely seek to keep the fight standing to leverage his striking, Costa’s ability to seamlessly blend striking with grappling could be the decisive factor. Costa is expected to utilize takedowns and threaten with submissions, disrupting Charriere’s rhythm and creating scoring opportunities on the ground. This mixed martial arts approach is projected to allow Costa to edge out a decision victory in what is expected to be a closely contested bout.

Pick: Melquizael Costa

Main Card Bout: Kennedy Nzechukwu (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) vs. Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida (4-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) – Heavyweight Division

This heavyweight contest offers a critical juncture for Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion transitioning to MMA. His UFC debut resulted in a decision loss to Martin Buday, a fight that highlighted his reliance on grappling and a lack of alternative offensive options when his primary game plan was neutralized.

Almeida faces Kennedy Nzechukwu (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC), a powerful striker known for his knockout ability. The matchup presents a clear stylistic contrast: Almeida’s elite grappling against Nzechukwu’s striking prowess. For Almeida, this bout represents an opportunity for redemption, requiring him not only to secure takedowns but also to effectively capitalize on his superior ground positions. Failure to achieve an early submission could lead to a perilous situation, as Nzechukwu is less likely than Buday to allow the fight to go the distance, possessing the power to finish the fight with strikes.

Despite the inherent risks against a striker of Nzechukwu’s caliber, the prediction leans towards Almeida’s grappling pedigree eventually finding its mark. The expectation is for "Buchecha" to secure a takedown and work towards a submission in the initial round, showcasing the ground skills that made him a legend in jiu-jitsu.

Pick: Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida

Main Card Bout: King Green (30-21-1 MMA, 26-15-1 UFC) vs. Lance Gibson Jr. (10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) – Lightweight Division

This lightweight matchup, a late addition to the card, pits seasoned veteran King Green against the younger, less experienced Lance Gibson Jr. Green, with 51 professional fights and 26 in the UFC, is a highly experienced and technically proficient striker who, even at 39, remains a dangerous competitor at 155 pounds.

Lance Gibson Jr., a 30-year-old Canadian prospect with 10 professional fights, steps into this bout on short notice. Gibson is characterized as a modern lightweight: well-rounded, possessing good cardio, and proficient in utilizing kicks from range, a tool that could potentially disrupt Green’s rhythm. A victory over a name like Green would significantly accelerate Gibson’s UFC career.

However, Green’s extensive experience and ability to perform under pressure are formidable assets. He has faced a wide array of opponents and situations in the cage, making him difficult to surprise or outmaneuver for an opponent with less time to prepare. While Gibson’s potential is evident, the challenge of stepping in on short notice against a veteran of Green’s caliber is substantial. The prediction favors Green’s veteran savvy and refined striking to navigate the late-notice challenge.

Pick: King Green

Preliminary Card Predictions:

The preliminary card features several intriguing matchups with significant divisional implications. In a strawweight bout that could influence the next title challenger, No. 10-ranked Gillian Robertson is predicted to defeat No. 5-ranked Amanda Lemos. Neil Magny, a long-standing UFC welterweight, is projected to overcome former Bellator titleholder Yaroslav Amosov (15). Other predictions for the preliminary card include Joanderson Brito over Isaac Thomson, Steven Asplund over Sean Sharaf, Melissa Croden over Luana Santos, Allen Frye over Guilherme Pat, and Jamey-Lyn Horth over Tereza Bleda.

As the UFC concludes its association with ESPN, UFC Vegas 112 is poised to deliver a memorable night of fights, setting the stage for the promotion’s next chapter.

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