UFC

Manel Kape vs. Brandon Royval Rebooked for UFC 317 Flyweight Showdown

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By
Garrett Kerman
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Garrett Kerman Sports Editor

Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.

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Published04 Apr 2025

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The UFC flyweight division is heating up as Manel Kape and Brandon Royval are set to collide at UFC 317 on June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated matchup, confirmed by MMA Junkie through multiple sources, promises fireworks as two of the most dynamic fighters in the division finally meet inside the Octagon.

Originally slated to face off at UFC Fight Night 253 in March, the bout was postponed after Royval was forced to withdraw due to multiple concussions sustained during training. Now, with both fighters ready and primed, fans are eager to see this clash of styles and skills unfold.

Kape’s Momentum: A Fighter on the Rise

Manel Kape (19-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) enters this fight riding a wave of success. The Angolan-born fighter is currently on a two-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory coming against Asu Almabayev, a late replacement for Royval at UFC Fight Night 253. Kape dominated that bout, showcasing his striking prowess and earning a decisive win.

Kape has gone 6-1 in his last seven fights, with his only loss coming in an unusual outing against Muhammad Mokaev. Known for his explosive style and finishing ability, Kape has become one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the flyweight division. His confidence is sky-high as he looks to solidify his status as a top contender with a win over Royval.

Royval’s Return: A Proving Ground

Brandon Royval (15-6 MMA, 5-2 UFC), nicknamed “Raw Dog,” hasn’t fought since October when he earned a razor-thin split-decision victory over rising star Tatsuro Taira. Before that, Royval notched arguably the biggest win of his career by defeating former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico. That performance cemented Royval as a legitimate threat in the division.

Despite his recent inactivity due to injuries, Royval remains one of the most unpredictable and creative fighters in the UFC. His unorthodox striking and slick submission game make him a nightmare matchup for anyone at 125 pounds. With this fight against Kape rebooked, Royval has the opportunity to remind fans why he’s considered one of the division’s elite.

This fight carries significant implications for the flyweight title picture. Both Kape and Royval are on the cusp of a title shot, and a victory here could catapult either man into contention. With reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja keeping a close eye on potential challengers, the winner of this bout could find themselves next in line for gold.

As of now, no other fights have been announced for UFC 317, but this matchup alone is enough to generate buzz for the event. With two electrifying fighters set to clash, fans can expect an action-packed showdown that could steal the show.