This Saturday, UFC Fight Night 253 is set to electrify fight fans with live coverage kicking off at 4 p.m. ET, unfolding at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. At the forefront of this event, flyweights Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev will go head-to-head, showcasing their skills at a critical juncture in their careers. Their clash is expected to captivate audiences with both fighters demonstrating impressive records and fighting styles.
The main event pits Manel Kape (20-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) against Asu Almabayev (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC), igniting significant anticipation. Kape, known for his explosive striking and keen fight IQ, enters this bout with a strategy focused on utilizing his experience to outmaneuver Almabayev. On the flip side, Almabayev, an undefeated contender in the UFC, has been steadily rising through the ranks with a perfect 4-0 record, and is likely to employ a versatile game plan to extend his winning streak. Fans should expect a blend of technical precision and high-stakes urgency.
Adding further excitement to the event is the co-main attraction featuring middleweights Cody Brundage and Julian Marquez. With Brundage’s record standing at 10-6 (4-5 UFC) and Marquez at 9-5 (3-4 UFC), both fighters are looking to stoke the fires of their careers by securing a victory. The bout is anticipated to reflect the fighters’ contrasting styles, with Brundage potentially leaning into grappling tactics while Marquez will likely aim to dominate with his striking power.
The undercard includes a fascinating match-up between Nasrat Haqparast and Esteban Ribovics. Haqparast (record of +215) faces Ribovics (-265) in what promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both fighters are renowned for their striking abilities. Each fighter’s approach will be crucial in determining the outcome and furthering their standings in the division.
The preliminary card offers its own share of thrilling match-ups. Among this array of fights, the bout between Austen Lane and Mario Pinto stands out. With Lane entering at odds of +410 against Pinto’s -550, it’s likely that Lane will find himself in a must-win situation, necessitating a bold strategy to upset the odds. Chepe Mariscal’s clash with Ricardo Ramos is another notable matchup to watch, bolstering the evening’s excitement.
The rest of the prelims features compelling contests, including Lucas Almeida against Danny Silva, and JJ Aldrich versus Andrea Lee, each fight bringing its own tension and intrigue to an already action-packed event.
With an exciting lineup and competitive match-ups, UFC Fight Night 253 holds high promise for fight fans. As the lights dim and the octagon comes alive, viewers can anticipate a night filled with drama, technique, and unpredictability. Fans eagerly await the unfolding of these battles, which will undoubtedly add more chapters to the fighters’ stories and the legacy of the UFC. Be sure to catch all the live round-by-round coverage as this exhilarating event unfolds, starting with the prelims at 4:30 p.m. ET.