Manel Kape Ends Almabayev’s Streak at UFC Fight Night

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Manel Kape shocked the MMA community by halting Asu Almabayev‘s 17-fight winning streak with a third-round stoppage in the main event at UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev on March 1, 2025, inside the UFC APEX.

The fight commenced with a series of striking exchanges, where Kape quickly established himself, leveraging his speed and athleticism to outmaneuver Almabayev. Despite Almabayev’s attempts at diversification in attacks, Kape showcased superior defense against takedowns throughout the match.

“I felt great in there. I came in with a strategy and executed it perfectly,” Kape said in his post-fight interview.

In the night’s co-main event, Cody Brundage scored a much-needed victory against Julian Marquez. Brundage’s technical knockout came late in the first round, showcasing his ability to pressure and capitalize at critical moments.

“This win means everything to me. It’s time for me to turn this around,” Brundage stated. “I knew I had to make a statement tonight.”

The main card also featured exciting bouts, including Hyder Amil‘s win over William Gomis and Nasrat Haqparast‘s narrow victory against Esteban Ribovics. Amil, maintaining an undefeated record, showcased relentless pressure and skill while earning a close decision victory.

“Every fight is a learning experience, and I’m glad to have come out on top tonight,” Amil said.

Haqparast, displaying impressive striking throughout his contest, was locked in a fierce back-and-forth with Ribovics, eventually winning via split decision. He is now riding a five-fight win streak and expressed interest in facing Renato Moicano next.

The evening kicked off with Sam Patterson‘s impressive first-round finish over Danny Barlow. Patterson, once a considerable underdog, delivered a technical knockout that demonstrated his rising prowess in the welterweight division.

“I was determined to show the world my potential. This win puts me back on track,” Patterson remarked.

Overall, UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev showcased a blend of skill, strategy, and determination from fighters aiming for title contention in their respective divisions. With Kape’s decisive win, discussions surrounding his championship aspirations are expected to heat up in the coming weeks.