UFC Vegas 112 closed out the year with a high-stakes flyweight showdown, as Brandon Royval and Manel Kape stepped into the spotlight for a main event that could reshape the title picture. Both contenders arrived on Saturday night prepared to make a definitive statement in a division suddenly wide open.
Royval (17-8) is looking to climb back into title contention following his loss to Joshua Van at UFC 317, a setback that snapped his two-fight winning streak. That victory propelled Van into a championship bout with Alexandre Pantoja, where he went on to claim the flyweight title.
Kape (21-7) aimed to secure his third straight victory by defeating Royval at the UFC APEX. Though injuries and inconsistency have disrupted his UFC run, a win over a recent title challenger could be enough to place him firmly in the conversation for a shot at Van.
Round 1 – Kape opened the fight by attacking Royval’s lead leg with calf kicks, testing the movement of the ever-elusive flyweight. Royval responded with body kicks, clearly intent on avoiding prolonged exchanges inside Kape’s punching range. The two continued trading kicks as they worked to establish rhythm.
Royval landed a hard body kick that forced a reaction from Kape, though he wasn’t close enough to capitalize. Gaining confidence, Royval began to open up with combinations, many partially blocked or missing the mark, but enough to keep Kape on the defensive.
Kape then pressed forward after another body kick, firing a flurry that nearly backed Royval to the fence. During an exchange, Royval appeared to tweak something, briefly limping before resettling into his pace.
But moments later, Kape found the opening he needed. He cracked Royval with a clean, heavy right hand that dropped him instantly, prompting Herb Dean to wave off the fight.
A massive statement win for Manel Kape.
Official Result: Manel Kape def. Brandon Royval via R1 TKO, 3:18
