Manel Kape was set to fight Brandon Royval in a flyweight title eliminator for UFC Vegas 103, but Royval withdrew due to injury. Asu Almabayev, a lower-ranked opponent, took Royval's place, presenting a challenge for Kape, who is currently ranked #5 in the division. The matchup alters the stakes, as a victory for Almabayev could be significant despite his lower ranking. The UFC often enables surprising outcomes, as seen with Kai Asakura's rapid ascendancy to a title shot, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the organization.
What was supposed to be, in theory, a flyweight title eliminator between Manel Kape and Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 103 changed when Royval was forced to withdraw due to injury.
After all, Kai Asakura was granted an immediate title shot upon arrival from RIZIN late last year. Which is to say, with the UFC, anything is very much possible.
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