“Out Like a Light” – Fans Lose It After Manel Kape’s Statement KO Win to End UFC’s ESPN Era

Manel Kape knocks out Brandon Royval in a dominant fashion at UFC Vegas 112 and calls out Joshua Van for the title shot.

“Out Like a Light” – Fans Lose It After Manel Kape’s Statement KO Win to End UFC’s ESPN Era

Manel Kape knocks out Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas (via Yahoo Sports)

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A significant transition period for the UFC is nearing its conclusion as the promotion prepares to end its ESPN broadcast era. Beginning January 2026, UFC events are set to stream on Paramount+ under a new media deal. The closing chapter of the ESPN run featured a decisive performance at UFC Vegas 112 as Manel Kape delivered that moment by knocking out Brandon Royval in the main event.

Kape faced Royval in a flyweight main event scheduled for five rounds at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The bout ended abruptly in the first round when Kape landed a clean sequence of strikes. Royval was unable to recover quickly enough after absorbing the finishing blows. The stoppage was officially recorded as a knockout at 3:18 of Round 1.

Following the victory, Kape positioned himself toward the top of the flyweight title picture. He directly targeted the newly crowned champion Joshua Van as his next objective. Van recently won the championship at UFC 323 in a controversial bout against Alexandre Pantoja. That fight ended after Pantoja suffered a broken arm due to an accidental injury in the opening round.

Kape entered UFC Vegas 112 riding a two-fight winning streak built over the previous year. His matchup with Royval had already been scheduled twice earlier in 2025 before finally coming to fruition. They were first booked for March, but Royval withdrew due to injury. The fight was later rebooked for UFC 317, where the Portuguese native withdrew because of a foot injury.

After Royval pulled out of the original March bout, Kape instead faced Asu Almabayev. He secured a third-round knockout that preserved his momentum in the division. That win followed another stoppage victory over Bruno Silva. Kape knocked out Silva during their December 2024 matchup, continuing his run of finishes.

Kape’s UFC tenure began with setbacks, as he lost his first two appearances inside the Octagon. He quickly stabilized his career by stringing together consistent performances afterward. Despite his talent, his progress has often been disrupted by weight misses and physical setbacks. Repeated injuries and canceled bouts have complicated his rise within the flyweight rankings.

The victory over Royval places Manel Kape in a pivotal position as the UFC reshapes its future on a new platform. His recent performances have strengthened his case as a legitimate No. 1 contender at flyweight. The timing aligns with the promotion’s move to Paramount+, where new stars will be needed to anchor major events. Manel Kape now stands at the intersection of a changing UFC landscape.

Fans react to Manel Kape’s knockout win over Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 112

Many fans reacted positively to Manel Kape’s knockout victory over Brandon Royval, praising the speed and precision of the finish. Social media discussion highlighted Kape’s explosive power and improved composure in the flyweight division. Supporters noted how decisively the fight ended compared to Royval’s previous durable performances.

Manel Kape vs Brandon Royval
Manel Kape vs Brandon Royval (via MMA Fighting)

Some fans, however, questioned whether the stoppage came too early during the exchange. A portion of the audience focused their criticism on referee Herb Dean, suggesting Royval may have been able to recover. Others pointed out Royval’s attempts to stay active despite taking damage. The debate reflected ongoing discussions around referee intervention standards in high-stakes main events.

Another segment of fans centered their reactions on Manel Kape’s growing case for a title shot. Many argued that his recent performances and finishing ability separate him from other contenders. Comparisons were made to recent championship challengers who earned opportunities with fewer decisive wins. Overall, supporters viewed the victory as a statement that places Kape firmly in the flyweight title conversation.

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