The highly anticipated matchup between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape is finally scheduled.
It was confirmed on Thursday that Royval and Kape will compete in a flyweight fight at UFC 317, taking place on June 28 in Las Vegas. News of the fight was initially reported by Laerte Viana.
These fighters were originally supposed to headline UFC Vegas 103 in March, but Royval had to pull out due to ongoing concussion issues. Kape then fought Asu Almabayev as a replacement opponent, winning by TKO in the third round. Now that Royval is recovered, they are set to fight at the T-Mobile Arena.
This fight is considered important for the flyweight division and could decide who will challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the 125-pound title next. Royval, currently ranked No. 1 in the flyweight division, has won two fights since his decision loss to champion Pantoja at UFC 296. Kape has won six of his last eight fights since also losing a decision to Pantoja.
UFC 317 is the UFC`s annual International Fight Week event. This is the first significant fight announced for the card, with more expected to be announced soon.
