UFC Fight Night 253: Kape vs. Almabayev – A Night of Knockouts and High Stakes

UFC Fight Night 253, also dubbed UFC Vegas 103, roared into the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, on March 1, 2025, delivering a night that fans won’t soon forget. This electrifying event blended technical mastery, jaw-dropping knockouts, and the kind of high-stakes drama that defines mixed martial arts at its peak. Headlined by a pivotal flyweight clash between Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev, the card showcased a mix of established names and hungry up-and-comers, all vying to etch their names into the UFC’s storied history. From the main event’s explosive finish to a co-main event that ended in a flash, UFC Fight Night 253 was a rollercoaster of action that left the MMA world buzzing.

Main Event: Manel Kape Defeats Asu Almabayev via TKO (Round 3)

The night’s marquee matchup pitted two of the flyweight division’s brightest stars against each other: Manel “Starboy” Kape and the surging Asu Almabayev. With both fighters ranked in the top 10 and a potential title shot hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Kape, a former RIZIN champion with a reputation for devastating striking, entered the Octagon riding a wave of momentum after a third-round knockout of Bruno Silva in December 2024. Almabayev, meanwhile, brought an unblemished 4-0 UFC record and a 17-fight win streak, his wrestling prowess making him a formidable threat.

From the opening bell, Kape seized control with his signature speed and precision. His striking arsenal—crisp jabs, thudding leg kicks, and lightning-fast combinations—kept Almabayev on the defensive. The Kazakh fighter, known for his relentless grappling, struggled to close the distance against Kape’s masterful footwork. Round one saw Kape pepper Almabayev with shots, bloodying his left eye and setting a punishing pace. The second round followed a similar script, with Kape thwarting Almabayev’s takedown attempts and landing a vicious knee that rocked his opponent.

The third round was where Kape turned up the heat. Sensing Almabayev’s fatigue, he unleashed a barrage of strikes—knees to the body, hooks to the head, and a relentless flurry of punches. Almabayev, visibly shaken, retreated across the Octagon, prompting referee Mike Beltran to step in at the 2:16 mark and wave off the fight. The stoppage, while decisive, sparked debate—some fans felt Almabayev was still in the game, while others praised Beltran for protecting a fighter who’d stopped defending himself. Regardless, Kape’s performance was a statement: he’s a force to be reckoned with at 125 pounds.

With this victory, Kape improved to 21-7 overall and 7-3 in the UFC, cementing his status as a top contender. Post-fight, he wasted no time calling out flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, declaring, “I’m going to steal that belt like I steal candy from my daughter.” Almabayev, now 21-3, tasted defeat in the UFC for the first time but earned respect for his grit against an elite opponent. This win didn’t just add to Kape’s highlight reel—it thrust him into the title conversation, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown down the line.

Co-Main Event: Cody Brundage vs. Julian Marquez

The middleweight co-main event promised fireworks, and Cody Brundage delivered in spades against Julian Marquez. Brundage, a 30-year-old wrestler with a knack for chaos, entered the fight looking to rebound from a 2024 that saw him go winless. Marquez, dubbed “The Cuban Missile Crisis,” was desperate to snap a three-fight skid that had dimmed his once-bright star. What unfolded was a first-round demolition that showcased Brundage’s power and tenacity.

The opening moments were wild—both men traded heavy leather, with Marquez landing a stinging right that briefly wobbled Brundage. But Brundage, undeterred, pressed forward with relentless aggression. A thunderous overhand right caught Marquez flush, sending him reeling. Brundage pounced, raining down ground-and-pound as Marquez turtled up. With just 15 seconds left in the round, referee Herb Dean had seen enough, calling the fight at 4:45 via TKO. The crowd at the Apex erupted as Brundage flexed in triumph, his most significant UFC win now in the books.

For Brundage, now 11-6 overall and 5-5 in the UFC, this victory was a career-defining moment. It showcased his ability to finish fights and hinted at a potential climb up the middleweight ranks. Marquez, dropping to 9-6, faces an uncertain future after a fourth straight loss, but his warrior spirit remains undeniable. This co-main event was short, sweet, and brutal—a perfect appetizer to the night’s headliner.

Other Notable Fights

UFC Fight Night 253 wasn’t just about the top of the card—the undercard delivered a slew of memorable moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a rundown of the standout bouts:

Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics (Lightweight)

In a lightweight clash that lived up to its billing, Nasrat Haqparast and Esteban Ribovics went toe-to-toe in a 15-minute war. Haqparast, a German striker with a 17-5 record, faced off against Argentina’s Ribovics, who entered at 14-1. The fight was a showcase of technical striking—Haqparast’s crisp boxing met Ribovics’ relentless pressure, resulting in a back-and-forth slugfest. Haqparast landed the cleaner shots, while Ribovics countered with volume and heart. After three rounds, the judges scored it 29-28, 28-29, 29-28, awarding Haqparast a split-decision win. The bout’s intensity earned it Fight of the Night honors, a testament to both fighters’ skill and grit.

Hyder Amil vs. William Gomis (Featherweight)

Featherweight prospects Hyder Amil and William Gomis delivered a technical chess match that tested their endurance and strategy. Amil, undefeated at 10-0, faced France’s Gomis, who stood at 14-2. The fight was razor-close—Amil’s pressure and striking volume clashed with Gomis’ slick movement and counters. After three hard-fought rounds, the judges split again, scoring it 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 for Amil. The win kept Amil’s perfect record intact and marked him as a name to watch at 145 pounds, while Gomis showed he’s still a dangerous contender despite the loss.

Sam Patterson vs. Danny Barlow (Welterweight)

The welterweight division got a jolt when Sam Patterson handed Danny Barlow his first professional defeat in stunning fashion. Barlow, 9-0 entering the fight, was a heavy favorite against Patterson, who stood at 12-2-1. But Patterson had other plans. Early in the first round, he caught Barlow with a perfectly timed right hand, dropping him to the canvas. A flurry of follow-up punches sealed the deal at 3:10, earning Patterson a knockout victory and a thunderous ovation. This upset showcased Patterson’s power and potential, shaking up the 170-pound landscape.

Mário Pinto vs. Austen Lane (Heavyweight)

Heavyweight newcomer Mário Pinto made a splash in his UFC debut against veteran Austen Lane. Lane, a former NFL player with a 13-5 record, controlled the first round with his size and wrestling. But Pinto, undefeated at 9-0, turned the tables in round two. A massive right hand landed flush on Lane’s jaw at just 39 seconds, sending him crashing to the mat for a knockout finish. Pinto’s explosive performance earned him a Performance of the Night bonus and announced his arrival as a heavyweight to watch.

JJ Aldrich vs. Andrea Lee (Women’s Flyweight)

In the women’s flyweight division, JJ Aldrich outclassed Andrea Lee over three rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory. Aldrich, now 14-7, used superior striking and cage control to stifle Lee’s offense. The judges scored it 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, reflecting Aldrich’s dominance. For Lee, the loss dropped her to 13-10 and extended her skid to six fights, raising questions about her future in the UFC. Aldrich, meanwhile, solidified her standing as a reliable contender at 125 pounds.

Performance Bonuses ($50,000 Each)

The UFC handed out its customary $50,000 bonuses, rewarding the night’s standout performances:

• Fight of the Night: Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics
  Their lightweight barnburner was a no-brainer for this honor, delivering non-stop action and a razor-thin decision that had fans roaring.
• Performance of the Night: Manel Kape
  Kape’s third-round TKO of Almabayev was a masterclass in striking and pressure, earning him a well-deserved bonus.
• Performance of the Night: Mário Pinto
  Pinto’s second-round knockout of Lane was a star-making moment, capping his debut with a check to match.

What’s Next?

UFC Fight Night 253 didn’t just entertain—it set the stage for some intriguing future matchups:

• Manel Kape vs. Brandon Royval
  Kape was originally slated to face Royval, a former title challenger, before Royval withdrew due to a concussion. With Kape’s win over Almabayev, this fight now feels inevitable—a true title eliminator to determine who gets next crack at Pantoja’s belt. Expect fireworks when these two dynamic flyweights finally collide.
• Cody Brundage vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
  Brundage’s emphatic win over Marquez puts him on a collision course with Uzbekistan’s Nursulton Ruziboev, a rising middleweight with a 5-0 UFC record. This matchup promises a clash of styles—Brundage’s wrestling and power against Ruziboev’s slick submissions and striking.
• Sam Patterson’s Next Step
  Patterson’s upset of Barlow vaults him into the welterweight conversation. A bout against a ranked opponent like Geoff Neal or Sean Brady could test his mettle and solidify his status as a contender.

Final Verdict

UFC Fight Night 253 was a showcase of everything that makes MMA special—spectacular finishes, rising stars, and fighters staking their claim to greatness. Manel Kape’s dominant victory over Asu Almabayev solidified his place among the flyweight elite, his blend of speed, power, and charisma making him a prime candidate for gold. Cody Brundage’s first-round stoppage of Julian Marquez was a career-defining moment, while Sam Patterson and Mário Pinto announced their arrivals with knockouts that reverberated through their divisions.

The card’s depth shone through in fights like Haqparast vs. Ribovics, a Fight of the Night thriller that reminded us why we love this sport. From the prelims to the main event, UFC Vegas 103 delivered a night of high stakes and higher rewards, leaving fans eager for what’s next. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: March 1, 2025, was a night where legacies were forged, and the future of the UFC took shape in the Octagon.