Get ready for an explosive end to the year as we dive into the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape! This event marks not only the conclusion of the UFC's 2025 campaign but also the last card before the promotion's debut on Paramount+ in January. It's an action-packed finale, and we're here to break it down for you!
The Main Event: A Flyweight Showdown
In the main event, we have a highly anticipated rematch between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. These flyweight warriors have been penciled in for this clash three times this year, and now, after some delays, they're ready to settle the score. With Royval's impressive track record against ranked opponents and Kape's recent back-to-back stoppage wins, this fight promises to be electric.
Royval, the 33-year-old 'Raw Dawg' from Colorado, aims to reaffirm his status as a top talent in the 125-pound division. He's faced some tough competition since joining the UFC in 2020 and is eager to get back to the win column. On the other side, Kape, known as 'Starboy,' has his eyes set on a championship opportunity in 2026. A victory here could be his ticket to gold.
Additional Main Card Showdowns
But the action doesn't stop there! We've got a stacked main card with some intriguing matchups. In the featherweight division, it's the old guard versus the new as Giga Chikadze, a rankings mainstay, takes on Kevin Vallejos, one of the most hyped members of the Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) Class of '24. Can Chikadze turn back the rising star, or will Vallejos continue his impressive rookie campaign?
Moving up to middleweight, we have a battle of DWCS graduates as Cesar Almeida, a seasoned veteran, faces Cezary Oleksiejczuk, the young Polish debutant. Both fighters are looking to establish themselves at this level and end the year with a bang. Expect an exciting stand-up battle, and learn more about these fighters' skills and potential.
In the featherweight division again, we have two rising stars, Melquizael Costa and Morgan Charriere, who are known for their entertaining fights. Costa aims for his fourth win of the year, while Charriere looks to build on his knockout win over Nate Landwehr. These fighters bring speed, power, and an allergy to boring fights!
And finally, in the heavyweight division, we have a clash between Kennedy Nzechukwu and Marcus Buchecha. Both fighters are looking to rebound from disappointing results, and a strong showing here could set them up for greater opportunities in 2026.
Preliminary Card Pairings
The prelims are just as exciting, with a Top 10 strawweight matchup between Amanda Lemos and Gillian Robertson. Lemos, a former title challenger, aims to defend her ranking, while Robertson, on a four-fight winning streak, looks to continue her impressive run.
In the featherweight division, we have a clash of DWCS alums, Joanderson Brito and Melsik Baghdasaryan. Brito, on a losing streak, aims to steady himself, while Baghdasaryan, limited to just a few appearances, looks to make a statement.
The welterweight division sees a must-watch matchup between Neil Magny, a divisional mainstay, and Yaroslav Amosov, a former Bellator champion. Amosov has an impressive combat sambo background and aims to make an impact in the bustling welterweight division.
The second heavyweight tilt features Sean Sharaf, making his sophomore appearance, against Steven Asplund, a recent DWCS graduate. Sharaf aims to bounce back after a tough debut, while Asplund looks to continue his winning streak.
In the bantamweight division, Melissa Croden and Luana Santos, both coming off stoppage wins, face off in a compelling matchup.
And to kick off the night, we have a battle of undefeated, debuting heavyweights, Allen Frye Jr. and Guilherme Pat. Frye Jr., a protégé of UFC veteran Derek Brunson, aims to keep his perfect record intact, while Pat looks to make a statement in his first UFC appearance.
Don't miss this thrilling UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape! The action starts on December 13, 2025, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims begin at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT, followed by the main card at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT. Get ready for an unforgettable night of combat sports!
