The final UFC event of 2025 featured a flyweight title fight, headlined by Brandon Royval and Manel Kape at UFC Vegas 112. Although the match was set for five rounds at the UFC APEX, it ended swiftly within the first four minutes due to a powerful knockout.
Manel Kape aggressively pushed Royval against the cage before delivering a stunning knockout late in the first round. Royval went down after a right hook to the jaw, followed by a ground strike from Kape that left him temporarily unresponsive. Although Royval briefly regained consciousness and tried to continue, the referee stopped the fight, which Royval accepted without objection.
The bout came one week after a surprising flyweight title change at UFC 323 when Alexandre Pantoja suffered an arm injury early in his defense, allowing Joshua Vann to secure a TKO victory and claim the championship. Typically, UFC President Dana White would mandate an immediate rematch, but Pantoja’s injury could keep him out for an extended period. Consequently, Vann is expected to defend his title against a new challenger, with Manel Kape emerging as the leading contender for a fight in early 2026.
Fan Take: This dramatic rapid-fire knockout and the unexpected injury situation shake up the flyweight division, creating fresh excitement and uncertainty for fans. It highlights the unpredictability of the sport and sets the stage for thrilling matchups as new rivalries form around the new champion.
