In the co-main event of UFC Vegas, flyweight Manel Kape will be looking for a statement win in his biggest fight to date.
Rarley has there been as much hype for a fighter coming into the UFC as Manel Kape. ‘Starboy’ debuted in 2021 against none other than Alexandre Pantoja. Yes Manel Kape fought the current champ in his first fight in the UFC! The fight was a unanimous decision loss, but there was no question that Manel belonged in the UFC.
At 30 years old he is right in his prime now within the Flyweight division. He’s currently ranked at #6 in the division and is riding a 4 fight win streak. Manel is one of a handful of UFC fighters who hail from Portugal, and he’s very much looking to put his country on the map.
Manel Kape: The Story So Far
As mentioned Manel made his UFC debut in 2021 against Alexandre Pantoja. Since then he’s gone 4-1 in the division. Most recently he’s got a decision win over Felipe Dos Santos, which was supposed to be a fight against Kai Kara France. After the fight, Kape got on the mic and unleashed a tirade towards Kai that seemingly set up a match between the 2. Not yet it seems.
Previous to the Dos Santos fight Manel Kape secured a decision win against David Dovrak and 2 first-round finishes over Zhaglas Zhumagulov and Ode Osbourne. His next fight is interesting as it’s a rematch against his second UFC fight Matheus Nikolau. Their first fight going to a split decision in 2021. It’s no doubt that both have come far since then, but how does Kape stack up?
It’s Time to get it Back
As mentioned earlier, Kape lost this fight to Nicolau in his second fight in the UFC. Secondly he has been on an absolute tear, getting finishes and decisions. The advantage for Kape now lies in the speed and strength of schedule. He’s also coming off an energising win and his star has started to shine in the mainstream.
The technical aspects of this fight will come down to the takedown defence of Kape. Nicolau is more well-rounded than Kape no doubt, however, has to get the fight to the floor. Kape has shown improvement in that department in his last few fights. What sets Kape apart is the striking, he has now started to combine his blistering speed with power.
That advantage in speed on the feet could be where Kape pulls away in this fight. Nicolau is a tough opponent, but he is coming off a round 1 knockout to Bandon Royval. Will that be playing on Nicolaus mind? Will Kape be riding high given his most recent win? We find out on Saturday Night!
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
