The Octagon is set to explode with an action-packed finale! This weekend, the UFC's 2025 campaign draws to a close, but not without a bang. With the promotion's debut on Paramount+ just around the corner in January, the final card of the year promises to be a thrilling one. And what better way to end it than with a highly anticipated clash of flyweight contenders?
Brandon Royval vs Manel Kape: The Trilogy
For the third time this year, Brandon Royval and Manel Kape are set to face each other, but this time, it's personal. After two delays, these flyweight standouts are ready to settle the score and close out the year with a bang. Royval, the 33-year-old 'Raw Dawg' from Colorado, has faced ranked competitors exclusively since joining the UFC in 2020. He aims to reaffirm his dominance in the 125-pound weight class. Kape, on the other hand, had his eyes on the top of the division when he joined the UFC in 2021. After a rocky start, he's now on a roll with back-to-back stoppage wins and victories in six of his last seven fights. A win on Saturday could secure his shot at the championship in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial—their previous encounters were both marred by injuries and withdrawals. Will the third time be the charm, or will fate intervene again?
Additional Main Card Battles:
- Giga Chikadze vs Kevin Vallejos: The featherweight division's old guard, Chikadze, takes on the rising star, Vallejos. Chikadze, ranked No. 15, aims to bounce back from a two-fight skid, while Vallejos, a highly touted DWCS alum, looks to continue his winning streak.
- Cesar Almeida vs Cezary Oleksiejczuk: Two middleweight DWCS graduates collide. Almeida, a Season 7 alum, started strong in his rookie campaign, while Oleksiejczuk, a recent Season 9 addition, made a splash with a quick stoppage win. This battle could determine who establishes themselves as a force in the division.
- Melquizael Costa vs Morgan Charriere: These featherweights are known for their exciting fights. Costa, on a winning streak, faces Charriere, the former Cage Warriors champion, who is looking to find consistency. Both are on the cusp of the Top 15, and a strong performance could lead to a ranked opponent next.
- Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Marcus Buchecha: Heavyweights Nzechukwu and Buchecha aim to rebound from recent setbacks. Nzechukwu, once a dark horse in the division, fell to Valter Walker, while Buchecha, a BJJ legend, stumbled in his UFC debut. A strong showing here could propel them back into the heavyweight conversation in 2026.
Preliminary Card Highlights:
- Amanda Lemos vs Gillian Robertson: A Top 10 strawweight matchup! Lemos, a former title challenger, defends her ranking against the streaking finisher Robertson, who has been dominant since returning to the 115-pound division.
- Joanderson Brito vs Melsik Baghdasaryan: DWCS alums clash in the featherweight division. Brito, once on a five-fight winning streak, looks to recover from recent losses, while Baghdasaryan, a DWCS Class of 2020 member, aims to make a statement after a long layoff.
- Neil Magny vs Yaroslav Amosov: Welterweights collide! Magny, a divisional mainstay, welcomes Amosov, a former Bellator champion with an impressive record. Amosov has the potential to shake up the division in 2026 if he can get past Magny.
- Sean Sharaf vs Steven Asplund: Heavyweights Sharaf and Asplund meet in a battle of contrasting styles. Sharaf, making his sophomore appearance, aims to improve on his debut, while Asplund, a recent DWCS grad, looks to continue his knockout streak.
- Melissa Croden vs Luana Santos: A compelling bantamweight matchup! Croden, with a 100% finishing rate, takes on Santos, ranked No. 15, who is also coming off a stoppage win.
- Allen Frye Jr. vs Guilherme Pat: Undefeated heavyweights make their debuts! Frye Jr., a protégé of UFC veteran Derek Brunson, faces Pat, who has finished four of his five opponents. Who will remain unbeaten?
- Jamey-Lyn Horth vs Tereza Bleda: The night begins with a flyweight showdown. Don't miss the action as these flyweights kick off the final UFC contest of 2025!
The stage is set for an unforgettable night of fights. Will Royval and Kape finally settle their score? Which fighters will end the year on a high note? Tune in to find out and join the conversation in the comments. Who do you think will emerge victorious in these controversial matchups?
