Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev 3/1/25 – UFC Fight Night 253 offers a great opportunity for viewers with an exciting flyweight clash between Manel “StarBoy” Kape and Asu “Zulfikar” Almabayev. There is excitement for Kape’s fight leading to March 01, 2025, as Kape’s record stands at 20-7-0 and Almabayev resumes the match with his record of 21-2-0. Both fighters will compete at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas which is a great stage for mixed martial arts.
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev 3/1/25
| When: | Saturday, March 1, 2025 | Time: 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | UFC Fight Pass |
The current betting odds heavily favor Manel Kape as he stands at -210. This is congruent with his latest performances in the cage. Asu Almabayev listed at +175 is also a value as an underdog. His record speaks for itself and his skills in grappling are considerable. In placing their bets, people need to take into consideration the styles of both fighters and their latest bouts.
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev 3/1/25 Odds
| Fighter | Odds | Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manel Kape | -210 | Asu Almabayev | +175 |
Main Card
Manel Kape
Manel Kape, known as “StarBoy,” punches aggressively and frequently within the octagon which is also visible from him landing 5.05 significant strikes every minute with an accuracy of around 56%. Kape receives 4.15 strikes per minute, yet manages to block 58% of the incoming punches so it is clear that his defensive skills are reasonable. His ground game prowess does not show much in the regular fights as he averages only 0.47 takedowns every 15 minutes, however, Kape has a stout 77% takedown defense rate which proves his prowess in that area. He recently claimed a superb victory against Silva, proving his dominant capability on both feet and ground.
Asu Almabayev
Asu “Zulfikar” Almabayev‘s fight style is on the opposite end of the spectrum. He has a fight time average that is shorter than others and strikes landed per minute average of only 2.11. This defensive approach results in Almabayev absorbing substantially less damage at only 1.02 strikes taken per minute. Furthermore, he possesses exceptional abilities in grappling, outpacing other fighters with an average of 5.08 takedowns every 15 minutes at a 50% success rate. In addition to this, his dominance on the ground is also reflected in his impressive average of 1.7 submissions per 15 minutes. The latest win he gained against Nicolau serves as an acknowledgement of his superb skill at forcing his adversaries to face him on his terms.
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev Betting Numbers
| Record | 20-7-0 | 21-2-0 |
| Last Fight | Win | Win |
| Country | Angola | Kazakhstan |
| Height | 5′ 5″ | 5′ 4″ |
| Weight (lbs) | 125 | 125 |
| Reach (in) | 68″ | 65″ |
| Win by KO/TKO | 60% | 14% |
| Win by Submission | 25% | 43% |
| Decisions | 15% | 43% |
| Strikes landed per minute | 5.05 | 2.11 |
| Striking accuracy | 56% | 56% |
| Striking absorbed per minute | 4.15 | 1.02 |
| Striking defense | 58% | 59% |
| Takedown average | 0.47 | 5.08 |
| Takedown accuracy | 33% | 50% |
| Takedown defense | 77% | 50% |
| Submission average | 0.3 | 1.7 |
Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev Betting Picks
Manel Kape’s striking and defense make him a dreadful opponent for anyone in the flyweight division. Nonetheless, Asu Almabayev’s exceptional grappling and methodical approach to fighting brings in a lot of challenges for Kape, especially when it comes to ground fighting. The combination of styles here is a fascinating if not such a handy, spectacle; the clash of Kape’s striking and Almabayev’s grappling could determine the pace and the outcome of the fight.
Although Kape is a favorite owing to the odds and fighting styles, there is good value in Almabayev as an underdog provided he can use his grappling early in the round. Kape prefers standing, whereas Almabayev has the potential to control him on the ground. In any case, this fight promises to be a tactician’s delight with some stiff and surprising competition for those looking to make a bet. No doubt it is a tricky, yet interesting, pick. Nevertheless, the bout is certainly an attention grabber and worth the energy expended.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: March 1, 2025
Last updated: March 24, 2025