Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping night of mixed martial arts mayhem – UFC on ESPN 73 is set to deliver non-stop action that could redefine careers and spark endless debates among fans!
But here's where it gets controversial: With underdogs stepping into the spotlight against seasoned veterans, some are questioning whether these matchups are fair tests or setups for shocking upsets. And this is the part most people miss: The prelims often hide hidden gems that explode into the main event scene, so don't sleep on those early bouts!
December 13, 2025, at 12:01 p.m. ET, we're gearing up for UFC on ESPN 73, airing live on ESPN2 and ESPN+. Catch the full spectacle starting at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) right here at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas for round-by-round breakdowns and instant results.
Leading the charge in the headliner is Brandon Royval, a gritty flyweight with a 17-8 MMA record (7-4 in the UFC), who recently challenged for the title and is hungry for redemption against the explosive Manel Kape (21-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC). This clash promises to be a technical battleground, with Royval's grappling prowess clashing against Kape's powerful strikes – think of it as a chess match where one wrong move could end the game.
In the co-feature, the dynamic Giga Chikadze (15-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) squares off against the undefeated Kevin Vallejos (16-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) in the featherweight division. Chikadze's flashy style might dazzle the crowd, but Vallejos' perfect record begs the question: Can an unblemished fighter handle the pressure of a rising star? It's a matchup that's dividing opinions – some call it a mismatch, while others see it as the perfect stage for Vallejos to prove his mettle.
Stick around for our live updates and results, kicking off with the prelims on ESPN+ at around 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the octagon, these fights are easy to follow: Each round brings strategy, skill, and surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Let's dive into the UFC on ESPN 73 lineup for a closer look:
MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
- Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape: As mentioned, this flyweight showdown is the crown jewel, pitting a title contender against a knockout artist.
- Giga Chikadze vs. Kevin Vallejos: Featherweight fireworks await in this co-main event, where experience meets untested potential.
- Cesar Almeida vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk: Two heavy hitters clash in a heavyweight battle that could go either way – imagine the power and precision on display.
- Morgan Charriere vs. Melquizael Costa: Lightweight action here, with Charriere's agility against Costa's aggression creating a fun, fast-paced fight.
- Marcus Buchecha vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu: Middleweight showdown featuring Buchecha's ground game versus Nzechukwu's striking power.
- Lance Gibson Jr. vs. King Green: Another middleweight bout, where Gibson's youth and speed take on Green's veteran toughness.
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
- Amanda Lemos vs. Gillian Robertson: Women's strawweight opener with Lemos' grappling edge facing Robertson's striking flair.
- Joanderson Brito vs. Isaac Thomson: Featherweight excitement as Brito looks to build momentum against Thomson's defensive skills.
- Yaroslav Amosov vs. Neil Magny: Welterweight clash between Amosov's power and Magny's experience – a veteran showdown that often steals the show.
- Steven Asplund vs. Sean Sharaf: Lightweight matchup where Asplund's jiu-jitsu could dominate Sharaf's boxing.
- Melissa Croden vs. Luana Santos: Bantamweight women's fight, pitting Croden's ground-and-pound against Santos' elusiveness.
- AJ Frye vs. Guilherme Pat: Another bantamweight battle, with Frye's cardio up against Pat's intensity.
- Tereza Bleda vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth: Flyweight women's closer, where Bleda's wrestling meets Horth's stand-up game.
Enjoy the fights, everyone – it's going to be an unforgettable event!
What do you think? Is Royval past his prime, or will he shock us all? Do you believe Vallejos can stay undefeated? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments – let's debate the biggest controversies of UFC on ESPN 73!
