UFC Vegas 112 marked the final event of a blockbuster 2025 for the UFC. After an impressive 41 events, the UFC have cemented their place as the best promotion in the land.
We take a look at three of the best performers from UFC Vegas 112 and why they are set for a big 2026.
3 Winners from UFC Vegas 112 Set for a Big 2026
Manel Kape
Winner of the final fight of 2025, Manel Kape has positioned himself very favourably in a red-hot flyweight division. Notching his third straight finish victory and second of 2025, Kape called out the champion, Joshua Van, claiming that he would be the champion if it wasn’t for an injury.
With the state of the flyweight title picture unclear at the moment, Kape needed a big performance at UFC Vegas 112 to really make a claim to be next and he did just that. His callout seems to have worked and got the attention of the champion too, with Van seemingly accepting Kape’s callout. Only time will tell if it’s to be, but regardless of whether he’ll get the next shot, he’s in for a big 2026.
Houston TX @ManelKape
Let’s run it! Talk is cheap @ufc— Joshua Van (@JoshuaVanBT) December 14, 2025
Yaroslav Amosov
Former Bellator welterweight king, Yaroslav Amosov, finally debuted at UFC Vegas 112. With a record of 29-1, the Ukrainian can be a real player in a stacked 170lbs division. The UFC recognises this too, giving him veteran, Neil Magny for his UFC debut.
Embed from Getty ImagesAmosov not only beat Magny, but he finished him in quick fashion, taking just 3:14 to do so. For those keeping note, Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov couldn’t do it that quickly and Ian Garry went the full 15 minutes with Magny.
Get Amosov booked early in 2026 against a ranked opponent and watch him fly in 2026.
Steven Asplund
Interesting backstory? Check. Record-breaking UFC debut at UFC Vegas 112? Check. Finisher? Check.
27-year-old Steven Asplund has had a rollercoaster 2025, setting up a big 2026. Going 4-0, including a Contender Series win and a UFC win, Asplund is an interesting prospect going into the new year. Breaking the record for significant strikes landed in a three-round heavyweight fight (170), Asplund’s cardio could be an issue for any opponent in the new year.
Could we see Asplund get out early and compete consistently in 2026, making a real name for himself? He already appears to be a fan favourite, has an inspirational backstory and in a shallow heavyweight division, he could be ranked sooner rather than later.
