In his relentless pursuit of the UFC title, Manel Kape, the former Rizin Fighting Federation Bantamweight Champion, is gearing up for a key showdown against the emerging flyweight powerhouse Asu Almabayev this Saturday at UFC Vegas 103. But before this highly anticipated main event unfolds, fight fans will be treated to an exciting co-main event featuring middleweight contenders Cody Brundage and Julian Marquez.
UFC Vegas 103 Main Event
Kape has been on a tear, boasting a record of five wins in his last six fights as he climbs the ranks in the 125-lb division, with his sole loss at the hands of Octagon rival Muhammad Mokaev. As he strives to become just the second former RIZIN champion to capture a UFC crown, this battle represents Kape’s toughest challenge yet in his quest for supremacy.
Almabayev, having enjoyed an impeccable run since joining the UFC in 2023, has quickly made his mark as a near-unstoppable force in the flyweight division. His exceptional grappling skills have overwhelmed challengers en route to this, his first main event, establishing him as, arguably, the best wrestler in the class.
UFC Vegas 103 Co-Main Event
Cody Brundage is eager to put a no-contest against Abdul Razak Alhassan behind him as he looks to secure a definitive victory in the co-main event. Known for a spectacular knockout over Zach Reese in 2023, a strong performance could help Brundage set a promising tone for his 2025 campaign.
Meanwhile, Julian Marquez is back in action after a lengthy hiatus following his knockout defeat to Reese at UFC on ESPN 57. Currently riding a three-fight losing streak, "The Cuban Missile Crisis" finds himself at a critical juncture in his UFC career.
More Bouts On the UFC Vegas 103 Main Card
Elsewhere on the main card, Nasrat Haqparast goes head-to-head with the always entertaining Esteban Ribovics. Additionally, knockout specialist Hyder Amil takes on French MMA standout William Gomis, while unbeaten welterweight prospect Danny Barlow risks his flawless record against Sam Patterson.
UFC Vegas 103 Betting Predictions and Staff Picks
Our team at MMASucka, comprised of experts representing top MMA organizations like the UFC, PFL, ONE Championship, and Dana White’s Contender Series, has compiled their predictions. For UFC events, we typically highlight four to six main card matchups. Picks for other organizations focus on main card and significant tournament fights.
By the end of 2025, the expert with the most correct predictions will have the choice of a custom championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Last year, Ben Jamieson led the pack with a record of 300-148.
You’ll find our UFC Vegas 103 picks and fight odds below. Here’s how our experts’ records stood after UFC Vegas 102:
- Jeremy Brand: 8-27
- Frazer Krohn: 6-19
- Andrew Benjamin: 6-25
- Hank Strandberg: 10-26
- Drew Zuhosky: 7-29
(Note: Not all staff participate in every event.)
Featured Matchups and Picks
Danny Barlow (-298) vs. Sam Patterson (+240) – Welterweight
- Jeremy Brand: Barlow by Unanimous Decision
- Hank Strandberg: Barlow by Unanimous Decision
- Drew Zuhosky: Barlow by Unanimous Decision
- Frazer Krohn: Patterson by second round Submission
- Andrew Benjamin: Barlow by Unanimous Decision
Staff favor Barlow: 4
Staff favor Patterson: 1
William Gomis (-225) vs. Hyder Amil (+185) – Featherweight
- Jeremy Brand: Gomis by Unanimous Decision
- Hank Strandberg: Gomis by Unanimous Decision
- Drew Zuhosky: Amil by first round Knockout
- Frazer Krohn: Gomis by Unanimous Decision
- Andrew Benjamin: Gomis by Unanimous Decision
Staff prefer Gomis: 4
Staff back Amil: 1
Esteban Ribovics (-258) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (+210) – Bantamweight
- Jeremy Brand: Ribovics by Unanimous Decision
- Hank Strandberg: Ribovics by Unanimous Decision
- Drew Zuhosky: Ribovics by Unanimous Decision
- Frazer Krohn: Ribovics by Unanimous Decision
- Andrew Benjamin: Haqparast by Unanimous Decision
Staff favor Ribovics: 4
Staff choose Haqparast: 1
Cody Brundage (-110) vs. Julian Marquez (-110) – Middleweight
- Jeremy Brand: Marquez by Unanimous Decision
- Hank Strandberg: Brundage by second round Knockout
- Drew Zuhosky: Brundage by Unanimous Decision
- Frazer Krohn: Marquez by first round Knockout
- Andrew Benjamin: Brundage via Unanimous Decision
Staff pick Brundage: 3
Staff opt for Marquez: 2
Manel Kape (-218) vs. Asu Almabayev (+180) – Flyweight
- Jeremy Brand: Kape by third round Technical Knockout
- Hank Strandberg: Almabayev via Unanimous Decision
- Drew Zuhosky: Kape by third round Submission
- Frazer Krohn: Almabayev via Unanimous Decision
- Andrew Benjamin: Kape by second round Knockout
Staff support Kape: 3
Staff back Almabayev: 2
This explosive night is shaping up to deliver some unforgettable moments in the Octagon. Who will emerge victorious, solidifying their path to potential title shots? Stay tuned to find out.
