UFC on ESPN 73 Royval vs Kape Picks, Odds & Where to Bet Guide

UFC on ESPN 73—also known as UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape or UFC Vegas 112—closes out the UFC calendar for 2025, and it does so with a meaningful flyweight main event that could directly influence the 2026 title picture.

This guide is written for fans and bettors who want clear, honest analysis, not hype. Every pick and betting angle below is based on:

• Fighters’ recent performances

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• Style matchups and cardio trends

• Historical fight data (round totals, finishes, pace)

• Consensus market movement from major sportsbooks

No outcomes are guaranteed in MMA. The goal here is to help you understand risk, not sell certainty.

Sportsbooks mentioned in this post:

Event Overview

• Event: UFC on ESPN 73 (UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape)

• Date: December 13, 2025

• Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada

• Main Card Start: 7:00 PM ET

• Prelims Start: 4:00 PM ET

• Where to Watch: ESPN2, ESPN+

• Total Fights: 13

Read our detail overview about UFC on ESPN 73 UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape

Betting Previews, Picks, and Predictions

We’ll focus mainly on the main card fights, since that’s where most betting action is happening. For each bout, you’ll get a quick look at the fighters’ styles, recent form, and a betting lean based on expert analysis from trusted MMA sources like ESPN, MMA Junkie, DraftKings, and general market trends.

Important reminder: MMA is unpredictable. These are informed opinions—not guarantees.

Main Event: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape (Flyweight – 5 Rounds)

This five-round flyweight main event features two explosive and dangerous fighters.

Brandon Royval (USA) is known for his wild, high-pace style. He’s a dangerous submission specialist with excellent cardio and thrives in chaotic scrambles. Royval is coming off a split-decision win over Tatsuro Taira and has already faced elite competition, including former champion Alexandre Pantoja. He has proven he can push a hard pace deep into fights.

Manel Kape (Portugal) is a sharp, technical striker with serious knockout power. He’s riding a four-fight win streak, including impressive stoppages over fighters like Matheus Nicolau. Kape is more patient and calculated, focusing on clean shots and distance control, though he has limited five-round experience in the UFC.

Prediction:
This fight could deliver fireworks on the feet. If it turns into a grappling-heavy battle, Royval may have an edge. However, most experts favor Kape by decision, citing his striking accuracy and ability to manage the tempo.
Pick: Kape to win, but Royval is a live underdog if the fight gets messy late.

Co-Main Event: Giga Chikadze vs. Kevin Vallejos (Featherweight)

Giga Chikadze (Georgia) is a world-class kickboxer known for his devastating leg kicks and highlight-reel finishes. He rebounded from a loss to Calvin Kattar with solid performances, but at 37 years old, durability and speed are growing concerns.

Kevin Vallejos (Argentina) is just 24 years old and undefeated in the UFC, with two fast finishes. He fights aggressively, mixes in wrestling, and applies constant pressure—exactly the kind of style that can disrupt Chikadze’s rhythm.

Prediction:
Vallejos’ youth, pace, and wrestling pressure could overwhelm Chikadze.
Pick: Vallejos by TKO.

Cesar Almeida vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight)

Cesar Almeida (Brazil) is a former kickboxing standout with crisp striking. However, his ground defense has shown weaknesses. He currently sits at 2–1 in the UFC.

Cezary Oleksiejczuk (Poland) is a tough, aggressive striker with heavy hands and solid takedown defense. He prefers to keep fights standing and comes in with momentum after a recent win.

Prediction:
If this stays on the feet, Oleksiejczuk’s power gives him the edge.
Pick: Oleksiejczuk by decision or late knockout.

Melquizael Costa vs. Morgan Charriere (Featherweight)

Melquizael Costa (Brazil) relies heavily on grappling and submissions but has limited striking development. He’s 2–2 in the UFC so far.

Morgan Charriere (France) is a well-rounded fighter with good striking, solid takedown defense, and strong cardio. He’s riding a two-fight win streak.

Prediction:
Charriere’s versatility and fight IQ should help him control most exchanges.
Pick: Charriere by decision.

Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcus Buchecha (Heavyweight)

Kennedy Nzechukwu (Nigeria) is a tall heavyweight striker with long reach, but inconsistency has held him back. Recent losses make this a critical fight.

Marcus Buchecha (Brazil) is one of the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes ever and is making his UFC debut. His ground game is elite, even by UFC standards.

Prediction:
If the fight hits the mat, Buchecha should dominate.
Pick: Buchecha by submission.

Bobby Green vs. Lance Gibson Jr. (Catchweight)

Bobby “King” Green is a seasoned UFC veteran with slick boxing, elite defense, and tons of experience. While he’s coming off losses, he remains hard to beat.

Lance Gibson Jr. (Canada) is a pressure wrestler with power, aiming to grind out rounds.

Prediction:
Green’s striking and experience should carry him through three rounds.
Pick: Green by decision.

Prelims to Watch

One notable prelim is Amanda Lemos vs. Gillian Robertson (strawweight), a classic power-versus-grappling matchup. Overall, this card slightly favors strikers, but strong grapplers like Royval and Buchecha could steal the spotlight.

UFC on ESPN 73 Betting Odds (Main Card)

Odds are sourced from DraftKings and FightOdds.io and may change.

Prelim note: Neil Magny sits around +200 against Yaroslav Amosov (-250) at welterweight.

Best Props and Parlays

Prop bets (short for proposition bets) are fun ways to wager on specific outcomes, like how a fight ends or if it goes the distance. Parlays combine multiple bets for bigger payouts but higher risk. Based on expert picks from ESPN, MMA Mania, and Reddit threads, here are some top ones for this card.

Best Prop Bets

• Royval vs. Kape Over 3.5 Rounds (-140): These guys are tough and skilled; expect it to go long without a finish.
• Vallejos Wins by KO/TKO (+150): His power against Chikadze’s chin could lead to a stoppage.
• Buchecha Wins by Submission (+200): The BJJ champ’s ground game is too good to pass up.
• Costa vs. Charriere Over 2.5 Rounds (-154): Both are durable; this likely goes to the judges.
• Royval Lands Over 72.5 Significant Strikes (-115): He’s volume-heavy, even in a loss.

Best Parlays

Parlays can multiply your winnings. Here’s a 4-leg one with decent value (around +500 odds combined):

1. Kape Wins (-285)
2. Vallejos Wins (-330)
3. Charriere Wins (-112)
4. Fight Starts Round 3 in Royval/Kape (-136) – From a Reddit pick emphasizing the fight’s competitiveness.

Another risky but high-reward parlay (+800 or so):

1. Royval Wins (+235) – Upset pick
2. Buchecha Wins (-200)
3. Oleksiejczuk Wins (-150)
4. Brito Wins in Round 1 or 2 (+140) from prelims.

A safer 3-leg parlay (+300):

1. Over 2.5 Rounds in Costa/Charriere (-154)
2. Melissa Croden Wins (+112) in prelims
3. Isaac Thomson Wins (+195) in prelims.

These are based on trends: Favorites like Kape and Vallejos are strong, but underdogs like Royval offer value if you’re feeling bold.

Where to Bet: UFC Vegas 112 Royval vs Kape

If you’re ready to place some bets, here are recommended sportsbooks based on your location. These are popular options for UFC wagering with good odds and bonuses:

• USA: BetUS
• Canada: Betsafe
• Europe: Boomerang Bet
• Asia & Europe: 22bet
• UK: Tonybet
• International: 20bet

Sportsbook suggestions are listed by region for convenience only. Availability depends on local laws.

Always:

• Verify legality in your jurisdiction

• Read sportsbook terms

• Bet responsibly

Final Thoughts

That’s your complete betting guide for UFC on ESPN 73: Royval vs. Kape. Whether you’re placing bets or just enjoying the fights, this card promises action from start to finish.

Who do you have winning the main event?

This article was written to inform first, not persuade. If you’re betting, the goal should be long-term decision quality, not short-term wins. Enjoy the fights—and if you’re wagering, do it responsibly.