UFC Vegas 103: Full Card Preview

UFC Vegas 103 delivers an action-packed fight card featuring rising contenders and battle-tested veterans, headlined by a crucial flyweight showdown between Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev. With multiple fighters looking to break into the rankings or solidify their place as legitimate title contenders, this event promises excitement from start to finish.

Main Event: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev

A pivotal flyweight clash headlines UFC Vegas 103, as Manel Kape takes on Asu Almabayev in a fight that could have direct title implications. Kape returns for the first time since his electrifying third-round stoppage of Bruno Silva, a performance that reminded fans why he was once considered a future champion. The Angolan-born standout is riding a four-fight win streak, and with his combination of power, speed, and elite experience, he poses a major challenge for any flyweight in the world.

Almabayev, however, has quietly built an impressive resume. The Kazakh standout is undefeated in the UFC, having extended his overall win streak to 17 fights after defeating Matheus Nicolau in a well-rounded decision victory. A relentless grappler with an improving striking arsenal, Almabayev is aiming to establish himself as an elite contender. This bout will serve as a major test for both fighters—Kape must prove his consistency, while Almabayev has the chance to show he can compete with the division's elite.

Co-Main Event: Cody Brundage vs. Julian Marquez

The co-main event features Cody Brundage and Julian Marquez in a middleweight scrap that has fireworks written all over it. Brundage is known for his aggressive, finish-first approach, with only three of his 17 professional bouts going the distance. However, his UFC run has been inconsistent, and after a winless 2024, he’ll be looking to turn things around.

Marquez, stepping in as a late replacement, is in a similar position. A DWCS graduate from Season 1, he’s had a stop-start UFC career due to injuries but has shown glimpses of finishing ability. With both fighters looking to re-establish themselves in the division, expect an all-action affair where neither man will want to leave it to the judges.

Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics

A battle of surging lightweights pits Nasrat Haqparast against Esteban Ribovics in what could be a breakout moment for either man. Haqparast enters on a four-fight win streak, most recently edging out Jared Gordon in a tightly contested bout. The 29-year-old has steadily improved his fight IQ, balancing his natural aggression with more technical discipline.

Ribovics, on the other hand, has quickly built a reputation as an action fighter. After scoring a highlight-reel KO against Terrance McKinney, he engaged in one of 2024’s best fights against Daniel Zellhuber, where he secured a hard-fought decision win. A victory here could push either man toward the top 15 conversation, making this a crucial matchup in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions.

Austen Lane vs. Mario Pinto

Heavyweight prospects collide as Austen Lane takes on Mario Pinto, with both fighters looking to make a statement in the division. Lane, a former NFL defensive lineman, has shown steady improvements, securing a gritty decision win over Robelis Despaigne in his last outing. His experience and physical attributes make him a tough matchup for any newcomer.

Pinto, an undefeated DWCS graduate, brings an impressive 9-0 record into his UFC debut. A dynamic finisher with sharp striking, he has finished most of his fights early, and his power could be the X-factor in this matchup. Lane will need to rely on his durability and wrestling to slow down the fast-rising prospect, making this a classic veteran vs. newcomer showdown.

Hyder Amil vs. William Gomis

In the featherweight division, Hyder Amil meets William Gomis in a clash of contrasting styles. Amil, aptly nicknamed "The Hurricane," fights with relentless aggression, as seen in his recent victories over JeongYeong Lee and Fernie Garcia. His 10-0 record speaks to his dominance, but he’ll face a completely different challenge in Gomis.

The French featherweight is a measured, tactical counter-striker, who has built a 12-fight win streak, including four UFC victories. His patience and defensive skills make him a difficult puzzle to solve, but against an all-action fighter like Amil, he’ll need to be sharp from the opening bell. This fight has major implications for the division, and stylistically, it could produce an intriguing battle of chaos vs. control.

Preliminary Card Highlights

Ricardo Ramos vs. Chepe Mariscal: Expect a high-paced featherweight contest between two well-rounded fighters. Ramos is coming off a split-decision win over Josh Culibao, while Mariscal has quietly gone 4-0 in the UFC, most recently defeating Damon Jackson.
Andrea Lee vs. JJ Aldrich: A flyweight bout between two veterans looking to bounce back. Lee has suffered multiple close decision losses, while Aldrich is aiming to rebound from her defeat to Veronica Hardy.
Danny Barlow vs. Sam Patterson: Two Dana White’s Contender Series products clash in the welterweight division. Barlow is on a two-fight UFC win streak, while Patterson has looked sharp since moving up from lightweight.
Danny Silva vs. Lucas Almeida: A featherweight war is expected, with both fighters known for their aggressive styles and finishing instincts.
Charles Johnson vs. Ramazan Temirov: Johnson, who went 4-0 in 2024, looks to keep his momentum going against a dangerous Temirov, who is undefeated in his last 10 fights and coming off a KO victory over CJ Vergara.

Final Thoughts

UFC Vegas 103 is packed with matchups that offer intrigue across multiple divisions. Kape vs. Almabayev could have direct title implications, Brundage vs. Marquez has guaranteed fireworks, and rising prospects like Pinto, Amil, and Ribovics will look to make their mark. With a mix of established veterans and rising talents, expect a night of high-stakes action inside the UFC Apex.

ACE Leans

Note: These leans are not financial advice and are merely suggestions by our traders as to where they see the most value. Gamble responsibly.

Charles Johnson ML @ 1.91

Danny Silva by KO, TKO, DQ or Decision & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 2.20

Chepe Mariscal By Decision @ 3.40

Mario Pinto KO & Under 2.5 Rounds @ 1.83

Sam Patterson ML @ 3.55

Hyder Amil ML @ 2.90

Nasrat Haqparast ML @ 3.25

Cody Brundage ML & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 4.0

Asu Almabayev @ 2.80