UFC Vegas 103: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev: Live round-by-round updates

A flyweight bout between Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev will headline UFC Vegas 103 later this evening (March 1) at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

Kape (20-7) 4-1 in his last five, and apart from a loss to Muhammad Mokaev, 'Starboy' has been unbeatable in recent years. One of the flashiest strikers in the promotion, the Angola native boasts 12 knockouts to his name.

The 31-year-old was last seen in a dominant third-round TKO win over Bruno Silva. If 'Starboy' manages to emerge victorious this weekend, he could find himself fighting for the title next. Seeing as Kape made his UFC debut with a loss to Alexandre Pantoja, a rematch in a title setting is likely something he must be itching for.

In the other half of the event, Almabayev (21-2) is undefeated in the UFC and is on a 17-fight win streak in his MMA career. While he has churned out mostly decision wins in the promotion, 'Zulfikhar' is a real threat on the ground, as evidenced by his nine career submission wins.

Kape will go into the fight as a -218 favorite over the +180 underdog Almabayev. The main card of UFC Vegas 103 is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.

Check out the final face-off between the pair below:

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UFC Vegas 103: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev

Round 1

Almabayev attempts a body kick, but Kape catches it and lands back to back, right hands on his opponent. Kape is constantly employing feints, and he tries to close the distance with his opponent.

A crisp 1-2 lands for 'Starboy'. The Angola-born Portuguese national is employing constant pressure, possibly in an effort to limit Almabayev's wrestling threat. A crisp right hook lands for Kape.

Almabayev's left eye is cut open. A big right from Kape woobles his opponent. 'Zulfikhar' attempts a level change, but Kape sprawls out of it.

Our score: 10-9 Kape, Kape 10-9 overall.

Round 2

As the second round unfolds, Almabayev chains a few strikes to try and transition to a level change. Kape, however, defends it. Kape is leading the fight, outlanding his opponent on the feet.

A heavy right hand lands for 'Starboy'. A left hand-high kick combo lands for 'Zulfikhar'. An eye poke accusation by Almabayev is ruled a legal punch in the closing minute of Round 2.

Our score: 10-9 Kape, Kape 20-18 overall.

Round 3

Kape is viciously stalking his opponent across the cage. Almabayev is on the retreat. Both fighters land during an exchange. Kape lands multiple right hands on his opponent on the retreat.

Multiple elbow strikes land for Kape as his opponent desperately tries for a level change. Kape is battering his opponent near the cage wall. 'Zulfikhar' once again rushes away from his opponent. 'Starboy' chases his foe and lands a right hand, which seemingly drops Almabayev, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Kape is the victor.

Official decision: Manel Kape def. Asu Almabayev via TKO. [2:16 of Round 3]

Check out the closing moments of the fight below: