Ali Akbar RosadyThe Ultimate Fighting Championship concluded its 2025 calendar year with UFC Vegas 112, an event that saw significant shifts in the flyweight division and delivered several memorable finishes, alongside some less compelling matchups. Headlining the discussions post-event was Manel Kape’s emphatic first-round knockout victory over Brandon Royval, a performance that has dramatically reshaped the immediate title picture at 125 pounds. The event, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, served as a final statement from many fighters looking to position themselves for opportunities in the new year.
Manel Kape, known as "Starboy," entered the Octagon against Brandon Royval with a clear objective: to secure a title shot. Kape, who had been on a four-fight winning streak prior to this bout, had consistently demonstrated elite striking and an aggressive pace, making him a formidable presence in the flyweight division. His record stood at 21 wins and 6 losses, with notable victories over ranked opponents that had steadily propelled him up the divisional ladder. Royval, a tenacious and high-volume fighter with a record of 16 wins and 8 losses, was considered a significant challenge and a gatekeeper to the top tier. His unpredictable style and ability to push the pace had often led to exciting, albeit sometimes wild, contests. Ranked No. 3 in the division, Royval represented a crucial test for Kape’s championship aspirations.
From the opening bell, Kape displayed a calculated aggression, utilizing his footwork to control the distance and landing precise strikes. Royval attempted to meet Kape’s intensity, initiating several exchanges, but Kape’s defensive awareness and counter-striking proved superior. The decisive moment came midway through the first round. Kape capitalized on a momentary lapse in Royval’s defense, unleashing a powerful left hook that landed flush. Royval staggered, and Kape followed up with a barrage of strikes, dropping his opponent to the canvas. The referee intervened at 3 minutes and 17 seconds of the first round, declaring Kape the winner by knockout. The victory marked Kape’s fifth consecutive win, all coming against ranked opposition, and solidified his claim as a top contender.
The immediate aftermath of the fight saw Kape deliver a passionate and articulate call-out to the reigning flyweight champion, Joshua Van, during his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. Kape declared that he had "destroyed" a top-three contender and that there was no other logical step for him but a title fight. His confidence and conviction on the microphone mirrored the dominance he displayed inside the cage, adding significant weight to his argument for a championship opportunity.
Related News :
- UFC 321: Ciryl Gane Faces Definitive Test Against Champion Tom Aspinall in Abu Dhabi
- Holloway Signals Readiness for Oliveira BMF Clash, Eyes March Return
- Benn Edges Eubank Jr. in Electrifying London Rematch, Evening the Score in Storied Rivalry.
- UFC Leadership Explores Enhanced Penalties to Mitigate In-Cage Eye Pokes
- Undefeated Phenom Dakota Ditcheva Set for Highly Anticipated Return Against Bellator Veteran Denise Kielholtz at PFL Dubai on February 7, 2026.
The question now looms large: did Kape’s spectacular performance clinch his first opportunity at UFC gold, or are there other contenders vying for the same shot? The flyweight division, historically one of the UFC’s most competitive, currently features a complex landscape. Joshua Van, the presumed champion, is a relatively new face at the top, having captured the title earlier in 2025. His fighting style and recent activity would need to be considered when assessing a potential matchup against Kape.
However, another prominent figure in the division is Tatsuro Taira. The undefeated Japanese sensation, with a perfect professional record of 17 wins and 0 losses, has been on a meteoric rise through the flyweight ranks. Taira’s grappling prowess and increasingly polished striking have earned him a reputation as a future star, and many analysts believe he is on the cusp of a title shot. His last performance, a dominant submission victory over a top-10 opponent, showcased his comprehensive skill set and further strengthened his claim. Taira’s sustained winning streak and clean record present a compelling case, potentially placing him ahead of Kape in the queue, especially if the UFC values an undefeated challenger narrative.
Adding another layer of complexity to the flyweight title picture is the status of Alexandre Pantoja. The former champion, who held the belt for a significant portion of 2024, is currently on the sidelines, recovering from an undisclosed injury. Pantoja’s return timeline is a critical factor; if he is expected back in early 2026, the UFC might opt to give him an immediate rematch for the title, or at least a high-stakes contender bout. His pedigree as a former champion means he cannot be easily dismissed from the conversation, even while injured. The promotional strategy around Pantoja’s return will undoubtedly influence the decision regarding Kape and Taira.
Beyond the flyweight title implications, UFC Vegas 112 offered other notable moments. Kevin Vallejos delivered a highlight-reel finish in his featherweight bout against Giga Chikadze. Vallejos secured a spectacular spinning backfist knockout, a move that is rarely executed with such precision and power. This victory improved Vallejos’s record to 14 wins and 3 losses, providing significant momentum in a stacked division. Chikadze, a veteran striker with a background in kickboxing, fell to 15 wins and 5 losses, marking a setback in his quest to re-enter the top-15 rankings. The knockout was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports and Vallejos’s explosive potential.
In the lightweight division, Melquizael Costa continued his impressive run, securing his fourth victory of 2025. Costa’s stoppage win further underscored his remarkable consistency and activity throughout the year, pushing his professional record to 21 wins and 7 losses. His ability to consistently compete and win across multiple events in a single calendar year highlights his dedication and skill, positioning him as a fighter to watch in 2026. Such a prolific schedule and success rate are rare in the modern UFC landscape.
The card also featured a mix of heavyweight action, which generated varied reactions. Some heavyweight bouts delivered the expected power and quick finishes that fans often anticipate from the division. These "good" performances included a first-round knockout by an emerging contender, showcasing raw power and efficiency. However, the card also included several "very bad" heavyweight matchups. These fights were characterized by a lack of sustained action, low strike counts, and protracted grappling exchanges against the cage that failed to captivate the audience. Such performances often draw criticism from fans and analysts alike, underscoring the perennial challenge of maintaining consistent quality in the heavyweight division.
As the dust settled on UFC Vegas 112, the overarching sentiment was one of anticipation for the 2026 season. Manel Kape’s dominant performance against Brandon Royval undoubtedly stands out as the most impactful result, forcing the UFC matchmakers to make a critical decision regarding the flyweight title. The arguments for Kape, Taira, and even Pantoja are compelling, promising an intriguing start to the next championship cycle. The event provided a fitting conclusion to the 2025 fight year, delivering both high-octane finishes and strategic dilemmas that will shape the competitive landscape in the months to come. The stage is now set for a compelling 2026, with several divisions, particularly flyweight, poised for significant developments.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMADecember 14, 2025Manel Kape Delivers Stunning First-Round Knockout, Electrifyingly Demands Flyweight Title Opportunity.- MMADecember 14, 2025UFC Fight Night Vancouver: De Ridder and Allen Face Off in Crucial Middleweight Showdown
- MMADecember 14, 2025UFC Vegas 112 Concludes 2025 Season with Kape’s Dominant Stoppage, Igniting Flyweight Title Debate.
- MMADecember 13, 2025UFC 321 Set to Unfold in Abu Dhabi with Aspinall-Gane Heavyweight Clash Headlining a Pivotal Fight Card
rifan muazin
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
Jonas Leo