UFC closed out its 2025 schedule in dramatic fashion with UFC Vegas 112, a 12-fight Fight Night card held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas that delivered knockout finishes, standout debuts, and statement performances. The event served as the final UFC show of the year and offered a glimpse into where several divisions may be headed as the promotion moves toward a new era.

From top to bottom, UFC Vegas 112 provided urgency, chaos, and momentum-shifting outcomes. Several fighters took major steps forward, while others saw their trajectories sharply altered. It was not simply a year-ender — it was a night that reshaped conversations across multiple weight classes.

Manel Kape Delivers Statement Finish in Flyweight Main Event

The main event belonged to Manel Kape, who delivered one of the most emphatic performances of his UFC career with a first-round stoppage victory over Brandon Royval. Kape came out aggressive, controlling distance and timing before landing a clean right hand that sent Royval to the canvas. From there, he swarmed with ground-and-pound until the referee stepped in at 3:18 of Round 1.

The finish immediately elevated Kape’s standing in the flyweight division. After years of flashes and near-breakthrough moments, this was the kind of dominant win that demands attention. Ending the year with a highlight-reel stoppage over a proven contender positions Kape firmly in the mix moving forward.

Kevin Vallejos Stuns Giga Chikadze With Brutal Knockout

One of the night’s most shocking moments came when Kevin Vallejos scored a spectacular knockout victory over veteran striker Giga Chikadze. Vallejos connected with a spinning backfist that dropped Chikadze before following up with precise ground strikes to seal the TKO finish in the second round.

At just 24 years old, Vallejos picked up the biggest win of his career. Chikadze had long been viewed as one of the more dangerous kickboxers in the featherweight division, making this result a major changing-of-the-guard moment. Vallejos’ timing, confidence, and creativity on the feet sent a clear message to the rest of the division.

Melquizael Costa Continues Breakout Run With Devastating Head-Kick KO

Another featherweight made waves when Melquizael Costa flattened Morgan Charriere with a brutal head-kick knockout just over a minute into the opening round. The kick landed flush, instantly ending the contest and drawing one of the loudest reactions of the night.

The win capped off an undefeated 2025 campaign for Costa, who went 4-0 on the year. His striking continues to evolve, and his ability to finish fights quickly has turned him into one of the division’s most intriguing rising names heading into 2026.

Competitive Decisions Highlight Depth of the Card

While knockouts stole the spotlight, several fighters impressed through disciplined and technical decision victories. Cezary Oleksiejczuk earned a unanimous decision win over Cesar Almeida, showcasing composure, control, and effective pacing throughout the bout.

In another tightly contested matchup, King Green edged out Lance Gibson Jr. via split decision in a fight that saw momentum swing back and forth. Green’s experience and composure under pressure proved decisive in the judges’ eyes.

Elsewhere, Joanderson Brito delivered a strong performance en route to a unanimous decision victory, while Luana Santos also secured a clear win, continuing her steady rise within the promotion.

Submissions, Debuts, and a Rare Draw on the Prelims

The preliminary card delivered its own set of memorable moments. Yaroslav Amosov made an immediate impact in his UFC debut, submitting Neil Magny with an anaconda choke in the first round. The performance instantly announced Amosov as a serious threat in the welterweight division.

Heavyweight newcomer Steven Asplund also impressed, scoring a second-round TKO in his promotional debut. His journey to the UFC — including a dramatic physical transformation — added an emotional layer to the win and made his performance one of the most talked-about moments of the prelims.

The card also featured a rare draw, as Kennedy Nzechukwu and Marcus Buchecha battled to a deadlock after three competitive rounds, underscoring just how evenly matched the contest was.

A Strong Finish to the Year and a Look Ahead

UFC Vegas 112 closed the year with momentum and clarity. Manel Kape ended 2025 as a flyweight force demanding serious consideration. Kevin Vallejos announced himself as a legitimate featherweight contender. Melquizael Costa continued a breakout run that now carries real expectations. Newcomers like Amosov and Asplund made immediate impacts, while veterans reminded everyone they still have plenty to offer.

As the UFC turns the page toward 2026 and a new broadcast chapter, UFC Vegas 112 served as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability and depth. New stars emerged, divisions shifted, and the final event of the year delivered exactly what fans hope for — decisive finishes, defining moments, and fighters seizing their opportunity when it mattered most.