The UFC returned to the Apex in Las Vegas on March 1, 2025, with an action-packed card featuring 10 MMA bouts broadcast live on ESPN+. The flyweight main event saw Manel Kape solidify his status as a serious contender with a ferocious third-round TKO victory over Asu Almabayev. Meanwhile, Cody Brundage delivered a devastating knockout in the co-main event, setting the tone for a night full of thrilling finishes and razor-close decisions.
Let’s dive into all the action from UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev!
Main Event: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev (Flyweight)
Manel Kape def. Asu Almabayev via KO/TKO (Knees and Punches) at 2:16 of Round 3
Fight Recap: Kape proved once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division. After a competitive first two rounds, the Angolan-Portuguese powerhouse unleashed a brutal knee followed by ground-and-pound punches, forcing the referee to step in at 2:16 of Round 3. Almabayev had no answer for Kape’s explosiveness and struggled to handle his relentless pressure. This win could put Kape on the shortlist for a future title shot.
Co-Main Event: Cody Brundage vs. Julian Marquez (Middleweight)
Cody Brundage def. Julian Marquez via KO/TKO (Right Cross to Ground Punches) at 4:45 of Round 1
Fight Recap: Brundage made a statement with one of the most brutal knockouts of the night. A perfectly timed right cross sent Marquez crashing to the canvas, and Brundage followed up with vicious ground strikes to seal the win. With this dominant first-round finish, Brundage reasserted himself as a rising contender at 185 lbs.
Main Card Results & Highlights
Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics (Lightweight)
Nasrat Haqparast def. Esteban Ribovics via Split Decision
Fight Recap: A back-and-forth war saw Haqparast edge out Ribovics on the judges’ scorecards. Haqparast’s crisp boxing and controlled aggression helped him secure the narrow decision in a razor-close contest.
Hyder Amil vs. William Gomis (Featherweight)
Hyder Amil def. William Gomis via Split Decision
Fight Recap: Another tight battle saw Amil use his superior wrestling and cage control to grind out a split decision win. Gomis had his moments on the feet, but Amil’s grappling proved to be the difference-maker.
Sam Patterson vs. Danny Barlow (Welterweight)
Sam Patterson def. Danny Barlow via KO/TKO (Right Hook to Ground Strikes) at 3:10 of Round 1
Fight Recap: Patterson landed a monstrous right hook that floored Barlow instantly. He followed up with relentless ground strikes, forcing the referee to call it. A flawless first-round finish for Patterson!
Preliminary Card Results & Highlights
Mario Pinto vs. Austen Lane (Heavyweight)
Mario Pinto def. Austen Lane via KO/TKO (Right Hook) at 0:39 of Round 2
Fight Recap: Pinto’s power was on full display as he delivered a one-punch knockout just 39 seconds into the second round, leaving Lane unconscious on the mat.
Chepe Mariscal vs. Ricardo Ramos (Featherweight)
Chepe Mariscal def. Ricardo Ramos via Unanimous Decision
Fight Recap: Mariscal controlled the pace and neutralized Ramos’s striking with takedowns and ground control, earning a well-deserved unanimous decision.
Danny Silva vs. Lucas Almeida (Featherweight)
Danny Silva def. Lucas Almeida via Split Decision
Fight Recap: A razor-close contest saw Silva edge out Almeida thanks to his volume striking and superior movement, making a strong case for a step up in competition.
JJ Aldrich vs. Andrea Lee (Women’s Flyweight)
JJ Aldrich def. Andrea Lee via Unanimous Decision
Fight Recap: Aldrich’s technical striking and clinch work gave her the edge over Lee, securing a clean sweep on the judges’ scorecards.
Ramazan Temirov vs. Charles Johnson (Flyweight)
Ramazan Temirov def. Charles Johnson via Unanimous Decision
Fight Recap: Temirov put on a dominant grappling clinic, controlling Johnson for most of the fight and walking away with a unanimous decision victory.
Final Thoughts: Who Stole the Show?
Performance of the Night: Manel Kape (Brutal KO over Almabayev)
Knockout of the Night: Cody Brundage (Flattened Marquez with a right cross)
Biggest Upset: Sam Patterson’s unexpected one-punch KO of Barlow
With explosive finishes, high-level wars, and rising stars making statements, UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev delivered non-stop action from start to finish. The flyweight division now has a clear title contender in Manel Kape, while Brundage and Patterson proved they belong among the UFC’s elite.
Who impressed you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!