The UFC APEX is back to host another fight night as MMA fans prepare for one more event before they prepare for the next PPV. The Main Event sees a clash between two Flyweights as the #6 contender, Manel Kape, takes on the #8 contender, Asu Almabayev. Here is what you need to know before it kicks off on Saturday night.
Kape became victorious in his last bout when he defeated Bruno Silva by third-round TKO at UFC Tampa, redeeming his decision loss to Muhammad Mokaev at UFC 304.
The Portuguese fighter has previously been on a four-fight winning streak in the organisation, earning wins over the likes of Ode Osbourne, David Dvorak and Felipe dos Santos.
Starboy has not often gone to a decision in his battles, earning 17 finishes out of 20 victories with 12 ending by KO/TKO and five by submission.
The #6 Flyweight contender is aiming to maintain his ranking and close in on a potential title shot, although he may need to fight once more after this event if he wants that opportunity.
Almabayev had the perfect year in 2024 when he won all three of his fights, with his most recent one ending by unanimous decision against Matheus Nicolau at UFC Vegas 99.
The Kazakhstan mixed martial artist currently stands on a 17-fight winning streak and has only suffered two losses in his MMA career.
Zulfikar has earned the majority of his 21 triumphs with a stoppage as three have ended by KO/TKO and nine by submission.
The #8 Flyweight contender has his fifth bout in the organisation at UFC Vegas 103 as he tries to rise up the rankings before earning a possible title eliminator fight in his next mission.
other fights you should look out for
Cody Brundage vs Julian Marquez - Brundage's last fight did not end as expected as his battle with Abdul Razak Alhassan ended in 37 seconds of the first round by a No Contest due to illegal elbows. The Chapin-born fighter rarely goes the distance as out of 10 wins, he has earned five KO/TKO victories and three submissions. Brundage has yet to be victorious since his slam knockout win at UFC Austin as he aims to find redemption at the APEX.
Marquez suffered his third consecutive loss when he was stopped in just 20 seconds at UFC Louisville, losing by TKO against Zachary Reese. The Cuban Missile Crisis has a 100% finish rate in MMA, earning six knockouts and three submissions. The Missouri Middleweight has yet to have won a fight since April 2021 as he too is looking for redemption on Saturday night.
Nasrat Haqparast vs Esteban Ribovics - Haqparast is currently on a four-fight winning streak after claiming his last victory against Jared Gordon by split decision at UFC Saudi Arabia. The Moroccan is favoured on the feet with 10 of his 17 wins ending by KO/TKO. Haqparast has been eyeing the Lightweight rankings ever since his last win and if he is successful against his opponent, he may get the chance to fight for a spot in the top 15.
Ribovics had a Fight of the Year contender in his last bout when the Argentinian and Daniel Zellhuber went to war for three rounds, doing just enough to pick up a split decision win. El Gringo has gradually become more favourable on the feet with seven wins ending by KO/TKO, as well as five of his wins ending by submission. With an eye-catching 2024, Ribovics has arguably become a fan-favourite as plenty of spectators will be rooting for him to soon fight for a spot in the Lightweight rankings.
Charles Johnson vs Ramazonbek Temirov - Johnson is currently on a four-fight winning streak with his last triumph ending by unanimous decision against Sumudaerji at UFC Vegas 99. InnerG has stopped the majority of his opponents, securing seven KO/TKO wins and three submissions. The #12 Flyweight contender is desperate to keep his place in the rankings as he wants to move further up in the division.
Temirov made his debut with the organisation at UFC Vegas 98 where he successfully claimed his first victory, beating CJ Vergara by first-round TKO. Temurlan likes to keep his battles on the feet as he has earned 11 KO/TKO wins from 18 victories. The Uzbekistan fighter currently sits on five consecutive first-round knockout wins as he tries to add another and enter the Flyweight rankings.
Who will win between Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev? Which fight are you looking forward to the most?
Written by Charlie Oxtoby
Instagram: charlie_oxtoby
MMA Instagram: undisputed._.mma
Twitter: Charlie_Oxtoby1
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