Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

When to Watch UFC Vegas 103 and a Kazakh Fighter Ready for His Moment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 12:03 PM ET

MMA talent in Kazakhstan has been developing well over the years, competing well in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) amateur scene, the central Asian regional MMA scene, and now the UFC, with fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov bringing pride to the country.

Kazakhstan’s rising flyweight star Asu Almabayev is set for the biggest fight of his career as he steps into the UFC Fight Night 253 main event on short notice. Originally scheduled to face Brandon Royval, Manel Kape will now take on Almabayev, who has the opportunity to make a massive statement in the flyweight division.

Boasting an impressive professional record of 21 wins and only 2 losses, Almabayev has been steadily climbing the ranks with his well-rounded skill set. The 30-year-old fighter has shown exceptional grappling abilities, a relentless pace, and underrated striking, making him a serious threat to anyone in the division.

Almabayev’s opponent, Manel Kape, is a former RIZIN bantamweight champion and one of the most explosive strikers in the UFC’s flyweight division. Known for his knockout power and unpredictable movement, Kape presents a tough challenge for the Kazakh fighter. However, Almabayev’s superior wrestling and ability to dictate the pace could be the key to neutralizing Kape’s striking threat.

This fight represents more than just a short-notice replacement bout—it is Almabayev’s chance to break into the top tier of the UFC’s flyweight division. A win over Kape would propel him into the title conversation and solidify his reputation as one of the most dangerous new contenders.

As the main event approaches, all eyes will be on Almabayev to see if he can seize this moment and shake up the division. UFC Fight Night 253 is set to deliver an intriguing showdown, and Asu Almabayev is ready to rise to the occasion.