The main event for the UFC’s return to its home base in “Sin City” is official after the headliners made weight Friday.
LAS VEGAS – The main event for the UFC’s return to its home base in “Sin City” is official after the headliners made weight Friday.
Ahead of UFC Fight Night 253 (ESPN+), which takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex, flyweights [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] (20-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) and [autotag]Asu Almabayev[/autotag] (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) stepped on the scale at the official weigh-ins.
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Both contenders hit 126 pounds and made their matchup official.
Check out the video from their trips to the scale above.
The UFC Fight Night 253 main event might be a battle of attrition on the canvas. Our expert looks at the angles.
MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC Fight Night 253 main event between flyweights [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] and [autotag]Asu Almabayev[/autotag].
Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA titles
+ Jiu-jitsu black belt
+ 12 KO victories
+ 5 submission wins
+ 9 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Dynamic striker
^ Works well off the counter
+ Dangerous knees
+ Good bodywork
+ Serviceable wrestling
^ Defensively and offensively
+ Solid scrambler
Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA titles
+ 3 KO victories
+ 9 submission victories
+ 4 first-round finishes
+ Consistent pace and pressure
+ Steadily improving striking
+ Accurate spinning attacks
+ Strong inside the clinch
^ Works well from bodylock
+ Good takedown ability
^ Transitions well from singles
+ Solid transitional grappler
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev point of interest: The cost of counters
Dec 14, 2024; Tampa, Florida, UNITED STATES; Manel Kape (red gloves) fights Bruno Silva (blue gloves) at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The main event in Las Vegas features a semi-impromptu fight between two flyweights who are aware of the cost of counters.
Despite being a dynamic showman with a solid arsenal, [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] prefers to do most of his damage off the counter.
Fluent in both stances, Kape keeps a smoothness to his shifts and lateral movements that open up potent offensive opportunities. From counter crosses to counter hooks, Kape keeps a series of short shots that he’s ready to unload on a hair-trigger.
When Kape is feeling in stride, he shows little issue with digging to the body or mixing in the occasional knee up the center to intercept level changes. That said, I’m not sure how wild Kape will get with flying knees or leg kicks considering the takedown threat at play.
Enter [autotag]Asu Almabayev[/autotag].
Although Almabayev’s looming takedowns account for the lion’s share of his counters, the Kazakh fighter still presents some interesting looks on the feet.
A deceptively accurate kicker, Almabayev is not shy about throwing everything from front kicks in open-stance looks to spinning sidekicks to the body and head of orthodox opposition.
Almabayev also packs decent left hook and uppercut that are worth watching for, but “Zulfikar” – despite finishing multiple training camps with Henri Hooft and company at Kill Cliff FC – still seems to lack proper setups for his big actions.
We haven’t seen a fighter exploit Almabayev in this area of his game, largely due to the effectiveness of the 31-year-old Kazak’s wrestling.
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev breakdown interest: Winning the wrestling
Mar 9, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Asu Almabayev (blue gloves) fights CJ Vergara (red gloves) during UFC 299 at Kayesa Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Considering the crux of Almabayev’s game, winning the wrestling will be paramount for both parties this Saturday.
Despite not having a Master of Sport credit to his resume, Almabayev wrestles like he’s been doing it for most of his life. From reactive shots in the open to finding answers in the clinch, seldom is Almabayev at a loss for ideas.
Almabayev’s best entries are off of singles, where he either hikes hard for a finish or chains his way to his opponent’s hips. And when Almabayev can establish any combination of double-unders or over-unders, he’s quick to his sneaky inside and outside trips.
Luckily for Kape, he’s no stranger to wrestling and scrambling.
Even when Kape was coming up in the rings of RIZIN, he was no stranger to having to both defend and finish takedowns in sub-optimal positions. Kape has always had an impressive reactive sprawl in open space, but the Angola native has traditionally run into trouble when going for submissions rather than defending the position.
Kape has solid and smooth transitions when operating from topside, but he can get lackadaisical or complacent at times when working from his back (which can be maddening for his supporters considering how hard Kape is capable of scrambling).
Although Kape has come a long way since the submission losses earlier in his career, the jiu-jitsu black belt will need to respect the skills of Almabayev.
A tireless worker from topside, Almabayev sacrifices some of the striking aggression you’d like to see to ensure that his opponent is working hard from negative positions. And if they’re able to work their way to the fence for assistance, Almabayev is quick to use the situation against them by almost baiting them to expose their back trying to base up.
Only needing but the smallest crack of daylight, Almabayev clearly prioritizes back-taking scenarios and finishes to boot.
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev odds
The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the higher-ranked fighter, listing Kape -235 and Almabayev +180 via FanDuel.
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev prediction, pick
Manel Kape
Considering the crux of Almabayev’s game, winning the wrestling will be paramount for both parties this Saturday.
Despite not having a Master of Sport credit to his resume, Almabayev wrestles like he’s been doing it for most of his life. From reactive shots in the open to finding answers in the clinch, seldom is Almabayev at a loss for ideas.
Almabayev’s best entries are off of singles, where he either hikes hard for a finish or chains his way to his opponent’s hips. And when Almabayev can establish any combination of double-unders or over-unders, he’s quick to his sneaky inside and outside trips.
Luckily for Kape, he’s no stranger to wrestling and scrambling.
Even when Kape was coming up in the rings of RIZIN, he was no stranger to having to both defend and finish takedowns in sub-optimal positions. Kape has always had an impressive reactive sprawl in open space, but the Angola native has traditionally run into trouble when going for submissions rather than defending the position.
Kape has solid and smooth transitions when operating from topside, but he can get lackadaisical or complacent at times when working from his back (which can be maddening for his supporters considering how hard Kape is capable of scrambling).
Although Kape has come a long way since the submission losses earlier in his career, the jiu-jitsu black belt will need to respect the skills of Almabayev.
A tireless worker from topside, Almabayev sacrifices some of the striking aggression you’d like to see to ensure that his opponent is working hard from negative positions. And if they’re able to work their way to the fence for assistance, Almabayev is quick to use the situation against them by almost baiting them to expose their back trying to base up.
Only needing but the smallest crack of daylight, Almabayev clearly prioritizes back-taking scenarios and finishes to boot.
Prediction: Kape inside the distance
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev start time, where to watch
As the main event, Kape and Almabayev are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 9:15 p.m. ET. The fight streams via ESPN+.
It’s still a main event for Manel Kape at UFC Fight Night 253. It just might be not as significant as originally expected.
It’s still a main event for Manel Kape at UFC Fight Night 253.
In the wake of Brandon Royval’s withdrawal, the UFC has landed on replacing him with [autotag]Asu Almabayev[/autotag], who will make his first headlining appearance March 1 at the UFC Apex in what will be the biggest opportunity of his career.
Two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the booking to MMA Junkie on Thursday. They requested anonymity as the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
The fight between Royval, a former title challenger, and Kape was considered by many to be a title eliminator, with both men seeking a shot at flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. Those same stakes might no longer be in place for Kape vs. Almabayev.
Almabayev (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) had been slated to fight Allan Nascimento at UFC Fight Night 253 before he shifted to the main event. His past three victories have all been decisions to follow up a submission of Ode Osbourne in his UFC debut in August 2023.
With the change, the UFC Fight Night 253 lineup includes:
UFC fan favorite Steve Erceg is back, as he looks to snap a two-fight skid.
[autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] will look to turn things around in early 2025 – but not Down Under.
Although the promotion is set to return to his native Australia in February, Erceg (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) will compete at UFC Fight Night 253 vs. rising Kazakh contender [autotag]Asu Almabayev[/autotag] (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC). The event takes place March 1 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The promotion officially announced the bout Friday on social media.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEqMyb6KLKd/
Erceg (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) burst into the international spotlight with consecutive wins over David Dvorak, Alessandro Costa, and Matt Schnell that aligned him for a surprising title fight vs. Alexandre Pantoja.
Pantoja defeated Erceg by unanimous decision, but the challenger was praised for his competitiveness. In August, Erceg returned and was finished in Round 1 with strikes by Kai Kara-France.
A potential dark horse at 125 pounds, Almabayev (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) has largely dominated every opponent put in front of his thus far in the UFC. After a debut win over Ode Osbourne by submission, Almabayev won decisions unanimously against C.J. Vergara, Jose Johnson, and Matheus Nicolau.
With the addition, the UFC Fight Night 253 lineup includes:
Asu Almabayev won for the 17th straight time, even though Matheus Nicolau had an answer for his takedowns.
LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Asu Almabayev[/autotag] beat Matheus Nicolau with a unanimous decision Saturday to close out the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 245 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Almabayev, who won for the 17th straight time.
Asu Almabayev def. Matheus Nicolau
Asu Almabayev
Result:Asu Almabayev def. Matheus Nicolau via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Updated records: Almabayev (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Nicolau (19-6-1 MMA, 7-4 UFC) Key stats: Almabayev has had more than 26 minutes of total control time over the 45 minutes of his past three decision wins. But after landing 15 combined takedowns his past two fights, he had just one against Nicolau.
“I’m happy. It’s not easy to win the fight. Every opponent’s doing hard work and coming here to fight and to win, so I’m very happy that I won. (The game plan) was just to win. I wanted to wrestle, but (Nicolau) is tough – he’s No. 7 in the rankings. During the fight, I changed the game plan a little.”
Almabayev on Nicoalu’s takedown defense
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Matheus Nicolau of Brazil punches Asu Almabayev of Kazakstan in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
“I was not surprised (at his takedown defense) because every fighter knows that I’ll try to take them down. After the first and second, I saw that (he was good at stopping me). What can I do? So I tried to improve the positions all the time.”
Almabayev on what he wants next
May 4, 2024; Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BRAZIL; Alexandre Pantoja (red gloves) fights against Steve Erceg (blue gloves) during UFC 301 at Rio Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports
“I will come back home and we’ll watch the fight again. We need to learn all the time. Give me one chance for the belt (against champion Alexandre Pantoja).”
To hear more from Almabayev, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
The UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program has now paid out more than $29 million to athletes since its deal began with Venum.
LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 245 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $155,500.
The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.
UFC Fight Night 245 took place at the UFC Apex. The entire card streamed on ESPN+.
The full UFC Fight Night 245 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:
Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2451 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.
In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.
Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:
“UFC Fight Night 245: Hernandez vs. Pereira” – $155,500
Not long after he moved to 3-0 in the UFC, Asu Almabayev says he’s got his next assignment.
Not long after he moved to 3-0 in the UFC, [autotag]Asu Almabayev[/autotag] says he’s got his next assignment.
Almabayev (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) on Monday posted on social media to say he’s fighting [autotag]Matheus Nicolau[/autotag] (19-4-1 MMA, 7-3 UFC) this fall. Although UFC officials haven’t formally announced the flyweight fight, Almabayev posted that it’s set for Oct. 19 at an event expected to be a Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Almabayev, from Kazakhstan, in June won for the 16th straight time when he outworked Jose Johnson in Las Vegas. He was more than a 5-1 favorite in the fight. That win came on the heels of a decision over CJ Vergara in March in another fight in which he was heavily favored.
Those odds surged in the wake of his UFC debut in August 2023, a second-round submission of Ode Osbourne. The former Brave CF standout now will fight for the third time in 2024 in a flyweight division that is hurting for new contenders for Alexandre Pantoja’s title.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-AHpaJMfEC/
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 27: (L-R) Matheus Nicolau of Brazil punches Alex Perez in a flyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on April 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Brazil’s Nicolau could have been one of those contenders not long ago when he was on a six-fight winning streak, including his first four in the UFC. But in his two most recent fights, he’s been knocked out by recent title challengers Brandon Royval and Alex Perez for the first skid of his career.
After his win over Johnson in June, which included a highlight-reel head kick that landed, but didn’t take Johnson out, Almabayev called out Kai Kara-France, but that matchup will have to wait. Kara-France meets recent title challenger Steve Erceg in three weeks in Perth, Australia, at UFC 305.
Asu Almabayev is ready to take on the upper echelon of the flyweight division after UFC on ESPN 58.
LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Asu Almabayev[/autotag] is ready to take on the upper echelon of the flyweight division after UFC on ESPN 58.
Almabayev (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) extended his winning streak to 16 when he defeated Jose Johnson (16-9 MMA, 1-2 UFC) by unanimous decision Saturday at the UFC Apex.
Almabayev called out former title challenger Kai Kara-France, and thinks he deserves a top contender for his next fight.
“My record is 20-2, and I’m a very long time in this sport, and I was facing a lot of good fighters,” Almabayev told reporters through an interpreter at the UFC on ESPN 58 post-fight press conference. “I know that my level is top five. That’s why I’m ready.”
Despite his confidence, the 30-year-old Kazakh fighter was slightly critical of his performance vs. Johnson.
“Of course I had a lot of mistakes. I need to learn more,” Almabayev said. “So as they say, as long as you live, as long as you learn. I need to watch the fight and I don’t want to praise myself. That’s why I’m all the time not satisfied with my performance.”
You can watch Almabayev’s full post-fight news conference in the video above.
UFC on ESPN 58 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.
LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 58 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $116,000.
The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.
UFC on ESPN 58 took place at the UFC Apex. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.
The full UFC on ESPN 58 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:
Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,580; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $58,000 while title challengers get $58,000.
In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-58 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.
Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:
Check out what the UFC on ESPN 58 winners and guest fighters had to say backstage at Saturday’s event.
LAS VEGAS – UFC on ESPN 58 took place Saturday with 11 bouts on the lineup. We’ve got you covered with backstage winner interviews from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
You can hear from all the UFC on ESPN 58 winners by checking out their post-fight news conferences below.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 58.
