A flyweight fight with title implications topped off the final UFC card of 2025.
Brandon Royval and Manel Kape clashed in the main event of UFC Vegas 112 on Saturday night.
The 125lb stars were expected to duke it out over the course of five rounds at the UFC APEX.
However, the fight came to an end courtesy of a vicious knockout inside the first four minutes.
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Manel Kape knocks out Brandon Royval
Manel Kape backed his opponent up to the fence before scoring a heavy knockdown towards the end of round one.
Brandon Royval crashed to the canvas after taking a flush right hook to the chin.
Kape swarmed with ground strikes that momentarily left Royval motionless on the floor.
Just as the referee stepped in to wave things off, Royval regained his consciousness and tried to continue – but he cannot have any complaints about the stoppage.
Is this the best performance of Manel Kape’s UFC career?
The flyweight title picture
We are just one week removed from the flyweight title shockingly changing hands at UFC 323.
Alexandre Pantoja suffered an arm injury during the opening moments of his latest 125lb defense.
It resulted in Joshua Van taking his title courtesy of an inconclusive TKO victory at UFC 323.
An incident like this would usually prompt UFC CEO Dana White to order an immediate rematch.
Who do you want to see Joshua Van fight next?
Let us know in the comments who you think his first flyweight title defense should be against.
Options for Joshua Van after UFC 323:
- Tatsuro Taira
- Winner of Brandon Royval vs Manel Kape
- Wait for Alexandre Pantoja’s return
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However, the nature of Alexandre Pantoja‘s injury means he could be sidelined for quite some time.
As a result, Van is likely to defend the belt against someone else rather than running it back with Pantoja.
Manel Kape has just made himself the frontrunner to face the new flyweight king early in 2026.
Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say