Manel Kape finds himself dealing with a brand new challenger for his UFC Battle Evening major occasion after his initially scheduled bout fell by.
Kape was initially slated to conflict with former UFC flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval within the headlining bout of a Battle Evening card on March 1 on the Apex in Las Vegas. Nonetheless, “Starboy” out of the blue discovered himself with out an opponent on Wednesday after Royval withdrew as a consequence of an undisclosed harm.
In keeping with a latest report from Sportilinet, Kape is now set to battle Asu Almabayev on March 1. The replace was additionally confirmed by MMA journalist Marcel Dorff on X.
Almabayev had been lined as much as face Allan Nascimento on the identical card however stepped up on brief discover for the principle occasion alternative. In the meantime, it stays unsure whether or not Nascimento will keep on the lineup.
B.Royval out. Manel Kape will now struggle Asu Almabayev at #UFCVegas103 on March 1st. (first rep. Sportilinet) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2025 #MainEventObviously meaning the Almabayev vs. Nascimento struggle for a similar card is off. No thought if Nascimento stays on the cardboard atm. pic.twitter.com/nQdsOWF7PN
— Marcel Dorff
(@BigMarcel24) February 6, 2025
“Starboy” is recent off a third-round knockout win over Bruno Silva at UFC Tampa this previous December. His momentum, nevertheless, was briefly derailed final July at UFC 304 when Muhammad Mokaev snapped his four-fight successful streak. Kape at present boasts a 6-3 document within the UFC, with 5 of these victories coming by the use of knockout.
However, “Zulfikar” final entered the Octagon at a Battle Evening occasion in October, the place he earned a unanimous choice win over Matheus Nicolau. Since making his UFC debut in August 2023, he has remained undefeated throughout 4 appearances.
