The UFC’s year-end Fight Night delivers a flyweight headliner between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape, packed with prospect-testing bouts across divisions. On the early prelims, heavyweight up-and-comers Sean Sharaf and Steven Asplund collide in a knockout artist’s showdown—both seeking redemption after prior setbacks, with Asplund’s size edge clashing against Sharaf’s volume. This 12-fight card promises chaos at the Apex.
Injury Report
As of December 9, 2025, no concerns for Sharaf vs. Asplund or the card at large. Sharaf is fully recovered from his October 2024 TKO loss (cleared after standard post-fight scans), and Asplund reports peak condition post his DWCS knockout in September. The event navigated minor hurdles: Royval’s main event held firm despite a brief November cold, and a prelim swap in late October for a cut (unrelated to these heavyweights). Dumas’ off-Octagon issue resolved without impact.
Fighter Matchups: Sean Sharaf vs. Steven Asplund (Heavyweight, 3 Rounds)
A heavyweight prospect brawl on the early prelims, pitting Sharaf’s high-output striking against Asplund’s towering frame and finishing power. Sharaf’s debut flop adds urgency, while Asplund rides DWCS hype—expect an early blitz, as 85% of their combined wins end in Round 1.
Sean “The Smoke” Sharaf (4-1-0, Unknown, USA; Age: 32; Height: 6’3″; Reach: 77″; Stance: Orthodox)
Sharaf, with an undisclosed affiliation, is a volume bomber landing 7.31 significant strikes per minute at 44% accuracy. All four wins are first-round KOs, showcasing explosive hooks and uppercuts, but his 44% striking defense was exposed in the UFC.
Steven “Concrete” Asplund (6-1-0, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Age: 27; Height: 6’5″; Reach: 78″; Stance: Unknown)
Out of McCune’s MMA, Asplund dominates with 41.25 strikes per minute at 64% clip, absorbing just 7.50. Five TKOs highlight his elbows and ground-and-pound, with one decision; his lone sub loss underscores grappling risks.
Key Styles Clash: Sharaf’s pressure (2.07 takedowns avg.) vs. Asplund’s length for counters and clinch knees. Heavyweight trends favor finishes (78% under 1.5 rounds here)—projection: 75% KO/TKO, Asplund via ground strikes in R1.
Recent Form
Sharaf seeks bounce-back from his UFC debut KO, while Asplund’s three-fight tear includes DWCS entry.
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights | Form Notes |
| Sean Sharaf | L-TKO2 (Tafa, Oct 2024) W-KO1 (Torres, Sep 2024) W-KO1 (Guzman, Sep 2019) W-KO1 (Cazares, Jun 2019) W-KO1 (Prior regional, 2021 pro debut) | 4-1 overall; 100% KO wins, but UFC stoppage vs. power. SLpM elite, but defense lags (9.79 absorbed/min). Camp targets takedown integration. |
| Steven Asplund | W-KO1 (Guarascio, Sep 2025 DWCS) W-TKO1 (Prior LFA, Apr 2025) W-TKO2 (Regional, 2024) W-UD3 (Regional, 2023) L-Sub1 (Early career loss) | 5-1 run; 83% TKO rate, 64% accuracy shines. Post-DWCS buzz; 71% str. def. Camp refines anti-pressure wrestling. |
Fight History
Sean Sharaf (Pro Debut: 2021): Regional U.S. circuit (LXF, KOTC) before UFC October 2024 debut (0-1 UFC). Total fight time: ~10 minutes across 5 bouts. Strengths: KO power (100% finish rate), early explosiveness (:09-:10 finishes). Weaknesses: Durability (TKO loss), grappling (0 subs).
Steven Asplund (Pro Debut: ~2020): Midwest regionals (LFA) to DWCS September 2025 (UFC debut upcoming). Total fight time: ~25 minutes across 7 bouts. Strengths: Striking efficiency (64% acc.), size leverage. Weaknesses: Sub vulnerability (100% loss rate), decisions rare (17%).
FIGHT ODDS
Sean Sharaf + 180
Steven Asplund – 220
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
