The 10 | Closing Out 2025 With A Bang
Brandon Royval and Manel Kape are officially slated to clash in the final UFC bout of 2025, marking their third attempt to meet in the Octagon.
Royval rebounded from a championship loss to Pantoja at UFC 296 with consecutive split decision victories over Moreno and Taira, solidifying his position in the flyweight division. A short-notice fight against Van in June resulted in a loss, momentarily pausing his pursuit of another title shot.
Royval VS KEATHER: View Fight Card
Kape, entering his fifth year on the UFC roster, is on the cusp of a championship opportunity. He boasts a 6-1 record over his last seven fights, following initial losses in his first two UFC appearances.Known as “Starboy,” Kape is recognized for his dynamic and explosive fighting style, making him a formidable opponent, particularly given his background as a former Rizin standout.
The initial bout was scheduled for March but postponed due to Royval’s withdrawal, leading to Kape’s victory over Asu Almabayev. A subsequent rescheduling for UFC 317 in June was derailed by a foot injury sustained by Kape, ultimately paving the way for Van to face and defeat Royval, then challenge Pantoja at UFC 323.
The winner of this highly anticipated matchup will emerge as a leading contender for a championship opportunity heading into 2026, barring a potential upset victory by Van over the current champion the week prior, which would set the stage for a rematch.
