### Manel Kape's Explosive Victory at UFC Vegas 112: A Title Shot on the Horizon In a thrilling conclusion to the UFC's 2025 calendar, Manel Kape delivered a stunning performance at UFC Vegas 112, knocking out Brandon Royval in the first round. This fight, which was highly anticipated due to its title implications in the flyweight division, ended dramatically within minutes, showcasing Kape's striking prowess and solidifying his case for a title shot against the newly crowned champion, Joshua Van. The event marked the end of the UFC's partnership with ESPN, making Kape's victory even more significant as it closed out the year on a high note for the promotion. ### Breakdown of Kape's Victory and Future Aspirations 1. **Fight Overview**: - Kape faced Royval in the main event, expected to be a competitive five-round bout. However, Kape secured a decisive victory with a knockout in the first round, demonstrating his striking capabilities [https://www.cbssports.com/ufc/news/ufc-fight-night-results-highlights-manel-kape-brandon-royval-knockout]. 2. **Performance Highlights**: - Kape knocked Royval down with a powerful right hook, followed by ground strikes that left Royval momentarily incapacitated. The referee intervened just as Royval attempted to recover, leading to a stoppage [https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/brandon_royval_vs_manel_kape_result_ufc_vegas_112_main_event_ends_in_first_round_ko/s1_17651_43202384]. 3. **Post-Fight Statements**: - Following his victory, Kape made a strong callout for a title shot against Joshua Van, emphasizing his readiness to compete at the highest level. He expressed confidence in his ability to finish fights quickly, stating, "If they make a mistake, I will knock him out in the first round" [https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/manel_kape_sends_chilling_warning_to_ufc_champion_joshua_van_in_epic_callout/s1_17255_43204087]. 4. **Context of the Event**: - UFC Vegas 112 was not only significant for Kape but also marked the end of the UFC's era on ESPN, making the event a memorable one for fans and fighters alike [https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-ufc-vegas-112-brandon-royval-vs-manel-kape-finally-lifts-its-curse-as-espn-gets-flawless-sendoff]. ### Evidence Supporting Kape's Title Shot Aspirations - **Fight Statistics**: - Kape's knockout victory came within the first four minutes of the fight, showcasing his efficiency and power. This performance is likely to resonate with UFC matchmakers looking for compelling title contenders [https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/manel_kape_blows_away_brandon_royval_in_yearending_ufc_vegas_112_headliner_199408]. - **Recent Title Changes**: - The flyweight title recently changed hands, with Joshua Van becoming the new champion. Kape's victory positions him as a top contender, especially given the recent upheaval in the division [https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/brandon_royval_vs_manel_kape_result_ufc_vegas_112_main_event_ends_in_first_round_ko/s1_17651_43202384]. ### Conclusion: Kape's Path Forward **Manel Kape's first-round knockout of Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 112 not only showcased his striking talent but also positioned him as a leading contender for the flyweight title.** 1. **Immediate Impact**: Kape's performance has made a strong case for a title shot against Joshua Van, especially following the recent changes in the championship landscape. 2. **Future Prospects**: With Kape's confidence and skill set, he is poised to become a significant player in the flyweight division, potentially ushering in a new era of competition. 3. **Event Significance**: The conclusion of the UFC's partnership with ESPN adds historical weight to Kape's victory, marking a pivotal moment in the promotion's timeline. Kape's explosive finish and subsequent callout have set the stage for an exciting 2026 in the flyweight division, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move [https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/12/14/ufc-vegas-112-manel-kape-tko-brandon-royval-joshua-van-call-out/87759863007].