Manel Kape is no stranger to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) flyweight division. He’s made quite a name for himself. The ex-champion of the Rizin Fighting Federation, he’s now sitting pretty at the No. 6 spot in the UFC flyweight rankings. He’s a force to be reckoned with, no doubt about it. His fighting style is versatile, his skills diverse. Add unwavering confidence to the mix, and you’ve got a real threat in the 125-pound weight class.
Up next for Kape is a rematch with Matheus Nicolau. The stage? UFC Fight Night 234. The location? The UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The stakes? High. Their first showdown in March 2021 was a nail-biter, ending in a split decision that didn’t go Kape’s way. But since then, he’s been on fire, racking up four wins in as many fights. This rematch is a chance for redemption, a shot at getting closer to the title.
Now, let’s take a trip down memory lane. Let’s look at five moments that have shaped Kape’s career:
1. A Matter of Fortitude: Kape’s debut in the Knock Out Championship organization didn’t go as planned. He lost to Souksavanh Khampasath. But he bounced back a year later, defeating Antoine Gallinaro and claiming the KOC bantamweight championship.
2. Back in the Saddle: Between 2015 and 2017, Kape had a rough patch, including a two-year hiatus and three canceled bouts. But he made a comeback by signing with the Rizin Fighting Federation. His first fight? A grand prix against Erson Yamamoto, which he won in 71 seconds. Controversial? Maybe. Impressive? Definitely.
3. Golden Gate: Kape’s rematch with Kai Asakura for the vacant Rizin Fighting Federation bantamweight title was a spectacle. Kape was aggressive, leading to a technical knockout victory in the second round. This win also earned him a “Fighter of the Year” nomination at the Asian MMA Awards.
4. Pathfinder: Kape fought Ode Osbourne at UFC 265. He missed weight, but still delivered a stunning knockout in the first round. Despite the weight issue, this marked Kape’s first UFC victory.
5. Bonus Room: Kape was supposed to fight Kai Kara-France at UFC 293. But Kara-France had to pull out, and Felipe dos Santos stepped in. Kape won the fight, earning him a “Fight of the Night” bonus. And his pre-fight banter with ex-UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya? Priceless.
So, there you have it. A snapshot of Kape’s journey. It’s been a wild ride, and it’s not over yet.