UFC's 2025 Grand Finale: Royval vs. Kape Headlines Last ESPN+ Broadcast, Buchecha Returns

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to conclude its 2025 calendar year with a highly anticipated event on December 13, marking its final broadcast on the ESPN+ platform before a significant shift in its media rights landscape. The card, designated UFC Vegas 112, will emanate from the UFC APEX facility, featuring a lineup designed to deliver compelling matchups across multiple divisions, with significant implications for fighter trajectories and divisional rankings. Headlining the year-end spectacle is a pivotal five-round flyweight encounter between top contenders Brandon Royval and Manel Kape, a bout poised to shape the immediate future of the 125-pound division.

Beyond the main event, the card will showcase the second octagon appearance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, as he looks to rebound from a disappointing debut against Kennedy Nzechukwu in a heavyweight clash. The event also features a compelling featherweight contest between rising talents Melquizael Costa and Morgan Charriere, alongside other previously announced bouts that promise high-stakes action.

Flyweight Fireworks: Royval and Kape Vie for Divisional Supremacy

The main event pits two of the flyweight division’s most dynamic and aggressive competitors against each other in Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. Both fighters are renowned for their high-octane styles, making this five-round affair a potential Fight of the Year candidate.

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Brandon Royval has established himself as a perennial threat in the flyweight division, known for his unpredictable and often chaotic fighting style. His approach is characterized by relentless pressure, unorthodox striking, and a dangerous submission game, particularly from unconventional angles. Royval has consistently engaged in thrilling contests, earning a reputation for his willingness to take risks in pursuit of a finish. A victory in this main event would be crucial for Royval, cementing his status at the very top of the division and potentially positioning him for another shot at championship contention in the near future. His ability to perform under the bright lights of a five-round headliner against a formidable opponent like Kape will be a significant test of his championship aspirations and durability.

Opposite him stands Manel Kape, a fighter celebrated for his explosive power, technical striking, and aggressive forward movement. Kape’s journey through the UFC flyweight division has been marked by moments of brilliance, demonstrating his capability to deliver highlight-reel knockouts. His striking arsenal is diverse, combining speed with devastating power, and he often dictates the pace of his fights with his relentless offensive output. For Kape, this main event represents a critical opportunity to overcome recent setbacks and make a definitive statement. A dominant performance against a highly-ranked opponent like Royval would significantly elevate his stock, proving his consistency and readiness to challenge for the flyweight title. The stylistic clash between Royval’s grappling threats and Kape’s striking prowess promises an intricate and exciting chess match that could unfold across all five rounds or end abruptly with a decisive finish.

Buchecha’s Redemption Arc: Heavyweight Stakes for a BJJ Legend

One of the most anticipated fights on the card involves the return of Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, the decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, who will face Kennedy Nzechukwu in a heavyweight bout. This fight holds significant narrative weight, particularly for Buchecha, following his challenging UFC debut.

Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida entered the mixed martial arts arena with an unparalleled grappling pedigree, widely considered one of the greatest submission grapplers of all time. His transition from the world of competitive jiu-jitsu, where he amassed numerous ADCC and IBJJF world championships, to MMA was met with immense anticipation. Under the ONE Championship banner, Buchecha showcased his potential, securing all five of his MMA victories via first-round stoppage, primarily through dominant ground-and-pound and submissions. These performances highlighted his ability to quickly translate his grappling prowess into effective MMA offense.

However, his much-anticipated UFC debut in July against Martin Buday proved to be a stark reality check. Buchecha, despite his decorated background, appeared to struggle with the pace and sustained pressure of the octagon, visibly gassing out in the later rounds and ultimately losing a decision. The performance raised questions about his conditioning and adaptation to the higher level of competition in the UFC heavyweight division. The subsequent release of Buday by the promotion after completing his deal added another layer of intrigue to the context of Buchecha’s debut. For Buchecha, this bout against Nzechukwu is not merely another fight; it is an opportunity for redemption, a chance to demonstrate the improvements he has made and to prove that his BJJ legacy can indeed translate into sustained success in the UFC. The pressure will be immense for him to deliver a performance more reflective of his potential.

Facing Buchecha is Kennedy Nzechukwu, a fighter also eager to get back into the win column. Nzechukwu, with a professional record of 14 wins and 6 losses, is known for his powerful striking and durability. However, he is also looking to rebound from a recent setback in July, where he suffered a first-round heel hook submission loss to Valter Walker. This marked only the second time in his 20 professional bouts that Nzechukwu had been submitted, highlighting a potential vulnerability that Buchecha, with his elite grappling, will undoubtedly look to exploit. Nzechukwu’s path to victory will likely involve keeping the fight standing, utilizing his reach and striking power to deter Buchecha’s takedown attempts and test his cardio early. This matchup presents a classic grappler-versus-striker dynamic, with the added pressure of both fighters needing a decisive victory to reinvigorate their respective careers in the competitive heavyweight division.

Featherweight Firefight: Costa vs. Charriere

The featherweight division will also be prominently featured with a captivating bout between Melquizael Costa and Morgan Charriere. This matchup brings together two exciting talents, each with a strong claim for upward mobility in the 145-pound rankings.

Melquizael Costa, known as "The Dalmatian," enters this fight on an impressive streak, having secured four consecutive victories within an 11-month span. His recent run includes back-to-back finishes over Shayilan Nuerdanbieke and Andre Fili, showcasing his diverse skill set and ability to close fights. Costa’s fighting style is characterized by a blend of effective striking and opportunistic grappling, making him a well-rounded and dangerous opponent. His most recent outing, a decision victory against Julian Erosa, was widely praised for its intensity and technical exchanges, earning him a well-deserved $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. This performance solidified his reputation as an exciting fighter who is always willing to engage, and he will be looking to carry that momentum into this crucial featherweight clash. A win here would propel Costa closer to the top 15 and establish him as a significant force in the division.

Across the octagon, Morgan Charriere, a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, brings his formidable striking and championship pedigree to the APEX. Charriere, often referred to as "The Last Pirate," has compiled a record of 3 wins in 5 appearances since joining the UFC roster. His exciting performances have frequently caught the attention of the promotion, leading him to pocket bonuses in four of those matches, a testament to his fan-friendly style and willingness to engage in thrilling exchanges. Charriere is eager to start another winning streak after a compelling performance in July, where he secured a knockout victory over Nate Landwehr. The Frenchman’s powerful striking and experience as a champion make him a dangerous adversary for anyone in the division. This bout between Costa and Charriere is expected to be a high-paced, stand-up affair, with both fighters possessing the tools to deliver a memorable performance and make a strong case for their future prospects.

Additional Bouts: Middleweight and Featherweight Clashes

The UFC Vegas 112 card will also feature a pair of previously reported bouts that add further depth and excitement. In the middleweight division, kickboxing veteran Cesar Almeida is slated to face Poland’s Cezary Oleksiejczuk. Almeida, with his extensive background in high-level kickboxing, brings a formidable striking game to the octagon, seeking to translate his stand-up prowess into consistent MMA success. Oleksiejczuk, a tough competitor from Poland, will look to test Almeida’s all-around MMA skills, particularly if the fight goes to the ground. This matchup offers a classic striker’s delight, with Almeida’s precision and power pitted against Oleksiejczuk’s resilience and potential grappling advantage.

Furthermore, featherweights Joanderson Brito and Melsik Baghdasaryan are set to battle in a contest that has been framed as a "battle for redemption." Both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and their hunger to climb the ranks in the competitive featherweight division. Joanderson Brito, often bringing power and a finishing instinct, will look to impose his will. Melsik Baghdasaryan, known for his kickboxing background and striking capabilities, will be aiming to reverse any recent misfortunes and make a statement. The "redemption" narrative suggests both fighters are coming off performances they wish to rectify, promising an exceptionally motivated and action-packed fight as they seek to reassert themselves in the division.

As the UFC closes out its 2025 calendar and prepares for a new chapter in its broadcast history, UFC Vegas 112 at the APEX is poised to deliver a memorable night of mixed martial arts action, with every fight carrying significant weight for the competitors involved.