On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel previews UFC 314, reacts to Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2, and more.
Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.
This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:
UFC on ESPN 65 was host of a big win at 145 pounds. In the main event, [autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Josh Emmett[/autotag] in a unanimous decision. We discuss Murphy’s big win, where he goes next, plus other key bouts from the Las Vegas card.
The PFL hosted its first event of the season in Olando, Fla. We review and dissect 2025 PFL World Tournament 1, and the new changes the promotion implemented starting this year. We also discuss the results from the card, including [autotag]Jason Jackson[/autotag]’s nasty submission win over [autotag]Andrey Koreshkov[/autotag]
There were some big fight bookings announced this past week. For starters, UFC CEO Dana White announced the two title fights that will be headlining UFC 316 – [autotag]Merab Dvalishvili[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Sean O’Malley[/autotag] 2, and [autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag]. Additionally, [autotag]Ian Machado Garry[/autotag] returns to fight [autotag]Carlos Prates[/autotag], and flyweight contenders [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] and [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] ink another contract to fight each other. We break down and give early predictions for these big bookings.
Lastly, we end the show with a preview for Saturday’s UFC 314. This stacked pay-per-view, which goes down in Miami, hosts a title fight for the vacant featherweight belt between [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] and [autotag]Diego Lopes[/autotag]. Also, UFC star [autotag]Paddy Pimblett [/autotag] takes a giant step in his career when he faces former Bellator champion [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] in the co-main event. We preview these bouts, plus many other key fights on the card.
A flyweight matchup between top contenders Manel Kape and Brandon Royval has been booked for UFC 317 on June 28.
There’s movement at the top of the UFC flyweight division.
Title contenders [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] and [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] have been booked to meet at UFC 317 on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. MMA Junkie confirmed the news with two sources following a first report by Laerte Viana.
This isn’t the first time Kape (21-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) have signed a contract to fight each other. The two were initially set to meet at UFC Fight Night 253 on March 1, but Royval withdrew from the matchup due to a couple of concussions he suffered in training.
Kape stayed on the card, and ended up fighting and stopping replacement Asu Almabayev in the main event. Kape is on a two-fight winning streak since his odd defeat to Muhammad Mokaev. He’s 6-1 in his past seven UFC outings.
Royval hasn’t competed since October, when he defeated top prospect Tatsuro Taira in an exciting and competitive split decision. Prior to that, “Raw Dog” had picked up arguably the biggest win of his career, outpointing former champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico.
At the time of writing, there at no other fights currently confirmed for UFC 317.
Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC Fight Night 253 in Las Vegas.
UFC Fight Night 253 took place this past Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, producing a few updates across multiple divisions.
In the main event, flyweight contender [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] picked up a TKO stoppage win over replacement opponent Asu Almabayev, who stepped in for an injured Brandon Royval. Kape handled business and now finds himself in the top 5 of flyweights.
Kape entered the week ranked No. 6 but jumped up to No. 4 in this week’s update.
Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.
Manel Kape called for a title shot following his latest win. Should UFC grant it? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”
The UFC flyweight division is in need of a title contender for champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag], and top contender [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] thinks he’s the right man for the job.
Kape picked up a second straight win and put himself at 6-1 in his past seven bouts, stopping Asu Almabayev this past Saturday in the main event of UFC Fight Night 253 in Las Vegas. It was a big win for Kape, who not only called for his shot at the 125-pound belt, but also said the division needs him as champion if it wants to up its entertainment and drawing power.
Should Kape be next in challenging Pantoja? What are his chances of dethroning the champion? Can he be a star in the division if he were to win the belt?
MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King, Dan Tom, and host Gorgeous George discuss Kape’s latest victory and where that puts him in the title picture at flyweight.
Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.
Manel Kape and flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja had a respectful exchange after UFC Fight Night 253.
[autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] and flyweight champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] had a respectful exchange after UFC Fight Night 253.
Kape (21-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) scored a TKO win over Asu Almabayev (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) in this past Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 253 main event to emerge as a title contender. “Starboy” is 6-1 in his past seven fights.
Kape wants Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) next, and he got a chance to address the champion when Pantoja was called into the ESPN post-fight show. Pantoja, who spoiled Kape’s UFC debut in February 2021, had nothing but praise for his former opponent.
“What a fight, Manel is so strong,” Pantoja said. “Manel is a different level, this guy (Almabayev) is not on the same level as Manel. …I’m very happy to have Manel in my division, in the UFC, because the shows like that, I love to watch Manel fighting, he’s so entertaining. He’s so good, he has so many skills in striking, he has good takedown defense. Very good Manel, you deserve all the glory.”
“You can come for the title, but I’m here brother.”
Usually known for his trash talk on the mic, Kape reciprocated the respect towards Pantoja, but sent him a warning.
“I’m a big fan of Pantoja, the way he cares for his family just shows how good a man he is,” Kape responded. “He’s not just a fighter. I can see values and principles, and Pantoja is the guy who has these things.
“He’s been working for his kids and his family. I don’t have any bad energy, we are respectful, but when it comes to the title, I have to take that belt man. I want to feed my daughters as well so Pantoja, be ready.”
Kape was then asked to break down Pantoja’s weaknesses.
“There is many things I can exploit in Pantoja’s game,” Kape said. “I just see that Pantoja walks forward too much, you know? And brother, I’m a sniper. So prepare for that. That hand is heavy. There is 14 knockouts here in MMA. It’s not every weight that has that much knockouts as me; flyweight, welterweight, bantamweight. I have 14 knockouts so, be ready.”
When it was Pantoja’s turn, he chose not to reveal too much, as the pair closed things out in cordial fashion.
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.
[lawrence-related id=2807321]
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+.
The highly anticipated flyweight battle between [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] and [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] will no longer take place March 1 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) announced Wednesday his withdrawal from the five-round bout vs. Kape (20-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) due to injury. Royval did not go into further detail but said he would explain more in the coming days.
“Unfortunately I’m going to have to pull out of my fight, I’m sorry to Manel Kape and my fans,” Royval wrote on Instragram. “I’m facing an injury that has me questioning when I’ll be able to train again. This is absolutely a fight I think needs to happen for the flyweight division but as of right now competing month has been ill advised. Love y’all and I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I’ll have more details on my YouTube this week.”
The fight between Royval and Kape was considered by many to be a title eliminator, with both men aiming to build momentum and earn their crack at champ Alexandre Pantoja.
It’s unclear if the promotion will find a new opponent for Kape or if he will be moved to a later date.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFswck8u70B/
With the cancellation, the UFC Fight Night 253 lineup includes:
UFC contender Manel Kape thinks Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France is likely next – but whoever wins will falter when they face him.
[autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] views his upcoming UFC main event as a title eliminator but predicts he’ll have to wait in line before a title fight actually happens.
At UFC Fight Night 253, Kape (20-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) will battle Brandon Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC). The winner will align themselves nicely for a title shot. However, Kape thinks champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] will likely compete against another fighter first.
“Probably he’s going to fight Kai Kara-France, I do believe,” Kape recently told MMA Junkie Radio. “I do believe. I do believe [autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag] has the skills to match up with Pantoja. Pantoja is a very hard opponent. But I do believe Kai Kara-France has some potential. He has a bigger chance than many other options. Brandon Royval, I believe 100 percent not going to fight until the third round. Maybe I’m fighting Kai Kara-France or Pantoja.”
Pantoja has established himself as a fairly dominant champion in a day and age where gold changes hands often. Since he defeated Brandon Moreno for the UFC flyweight title in July 2023, Pantoja has successfully defended his strap three times.
Though Kara-France (25-11 MMA, 8-4 UFC) is not on a multifight winning streak, he’s a fresh face for Pantoja who recently finished Steve Erceg, a fighter Pantoja struggled to defeat.
Regardless of who might be in his path should he align himself for a title fight, Kape likes his chances.
“I just prefer whoever is going to be there with the title,” Kape said. “I’m going to go there to take. I don’t have a preference. Both of them, I can smoke them. I don’t have any preference.”
Brandon Royval has opened up as an underdog at UFC Fight Night 253.
[autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] and [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] will square off in a potential title eliminator at UFC Fight Night 253.
Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape preview
Since falling short in his title opportunity against flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 296, Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) rebounded with back-to-back wins over former champion Brandon Moreno, and most recently Tatsuro Taira at UFC Fight Night 244.
