Overview
- Kape stopped Royval at 3:18 of Round 1 with a right hook and follow-up punches, prompting referee Herb Dean to end the fight.
- In his post-fight interview, Kape called out champion Joshua Van and proposed a February title fight in Houston.
- The win extended Kape’s finishing streak to three and tied Joseph Benavidez for the most UFC flyweight knockouts with five.
- Kape entered ranked No. 6 and knocked off the No. 2 contender in a matchup widely viewed as a fast track to a title opportunity.
- UFC matchmakers now weigh Van vs. Kape, Van vs. Tatsuro Taira, or waiting for a Pantoja rematch depending on the former champion’s recovery.