Top Flyweights Kape and Almabayev to Headline UFC Fight NightLas Vegas

Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev face off in a pivotal matchup that could determine the next UFC flyweight title contender.

• Manel Kape, ranked No. 6 in the UFC flyweight division, enters the fight on a 5-1 run, including a TKO victory over Bruno Silva in December 2024.
• Asu Almabayev, ranked No. 8, has won all four of his UFC fights and is riding an 18-fight overall win streak, with his most recent victory coming against Matheus Nicolau in October 2024.
• The fight was originally slated to feature Kape against Brandon Royval, but Royval withdrew due to injury, leading to Almabayev being promoted to the main event.
• Both fighters view this bout as a potential stepping stone to a flyweight title shot, with Kape expressing frustration over past opponent withdrawals and Almabayev eager to prove himself at the top level.
• UFC Fight Night 253 will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, with the main card streaming live on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET.

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