Latest news with #Kape
USA Today
04-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Manel Kape vs. Brandon Royval booked for UFC 317
There's movement at the top of the UFC flyweight division. Title contenders Manel Kape and Brandon Royval have been booked to meet at UFC 317 on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. MMA Junkie confirmed the news with two sources following a first report by Laerte Viana. This isn't the first time Kape (21-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) have signed a contract to fight each other. The two were initially set to meet at UFC Fight Night 253 on March 1, but Royval withdrew from the matchup due to a couple of concussions he suffered in training. Kape stayed on the card, and ended up fighting and stopping replacement Asu Almabayev in the main event. Kape is on a two-fight winning streak since his odd defeat to Muhammad Mokaev. He's 6-1 in his past seven UFC outings. Royval hasn't competed since October, when he defeated top prospect Tatsuro Taira in an exciting and competitive split decision. Prior to that, 'Raw Dog' had picked up arguably the biggest win of his career, outpointing former champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico. At the time of writing, there at no other fights currently confirmed for UFC 317.
USA Today
04-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Video: Should Manel Kape get next UFC flyweight title shot vs. Alexandre Pantoja?
The UFC flyweight division is in need of a title contender for champion Alexandre Pantoja, and top contender Manel Kape thinks he's the right man for the job. Kape picked up a second straight win and put himself at 6-1 in his past seven bouts, stopping Asu Almabayev this past Saturday in the main event of UFC Fight Night 253 in Las Vegas. It was a big win for Kape, who not only called for his shot at the 125-pound belt, but also said the division needs him as champion if it wants to up its entertainment and drawing power. Should Kape be next in challenging Pantoja? What are his chances of dethroning the champion? Can he be a star in the division if he were to win the belt? MMA Junkie's Brian 'Goze' Garcia, Nolan King, Dan Tom, and host Gorgeous George discuss Kape's latest victory and where that puts him in the title picture at flyweight. Watch their discussion in the video above, and don't miss this week's complete episode of 'Spinning Back Clique' below on YouTube.
USA Today
03-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Manel Kape breaks down UFC champ Alexandre Pantoja's flaws – to his face
Manel Kape and flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja had a respectful exchange after UFC Fight Night 253. Kape (21-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) scored a TKO win over Asu Almabayev (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) in this past Saturday's UFC Fight Night 253 main event to emerge as a title contender. 'Starboy' is 6-1 in his past seven fights. Kape wants Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) next, and he got a chance to address the champion when Pantoja was called into the ESPN post-fight show. Pantoja, who spoiled Kape's UFC debut in February 2021, had nothing but praise for his former opponent. 'What a fight, Manel is so strong,' Pantoja said. 'Manel is a different level, this guy (Almabayev) is not on the same level as Manel. …I'm very happy to have Manel in my division, in the UFC, because the shows like that, I love to watch Manel fighting, he's so entertaining. He's so good, he has so many skills in striking, he has good takedown defense. Very good Manel, you deserve all the glory.' 'You can come for the title, but I'm here brother.' Usually known for his trash talk on the mic, Kape reciprocated the respect towards Pantoja, but sent him a warning. 'I'm a big fan of Pantoja, the way he cares for his family just shows how good a man he is,' Kape responded. 'He's not just a fighter. I can see values and principles, and Pantoja is the guy who has these things. 'He's been working for his kids and his family. I don't have any bad energy, we are respectful, but when it comes to the title, I have to take that belt man. I want to feed my daughters as well so Pantoja, be ready.' Kape was then asked to break down Pantoja's weaknesses. 'There is many things I can exploit in Pantoja's game,' Kape said. 'I just see that Pantoja walks forward too much, you know? And brother, I'm a sniper. So prepare for that. That hand is heavy. There is 14 knockouts here in MMA. It's not every weight that has that much knockouts as me; flyweight, welterweight, bantamweight. I have 14 knockouts so, be ready.' When it was Pantoja's turn, he chose not to reveal too much, as the pair closed things out in cordial fashion. 'You're too cocky,' Pantoja laughed. For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC Fight Night 253.
USA Today
02-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Mick Maynard's Shoes: What's next for Manel Kape after UFC Fight Night 253 win?
Manel Kape maintained his position as a surging flyweight title contender Saturday when he came out on the winning end of the UFC Fight Night 253 against Asu Almabayev. Kape (21-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) chased down Almabayev (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) for a third-round TKO at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and is now riding some strong momentum as he looks to secure his first opportunity at gold. 'Star Boy' wants his opportunity to challenge reigning 125-pound kingpin Alexandre Pantoja, but how realistic is it at this point in time? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Kape's future after his victory in the UFC Fight Night 253 headliner. For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC Fight Night 253.
USA Today
02-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC Fight Night 253's Manel Kape calls for Alexandre Pantoja rematch, says flyweight needs him as champion
LAS VEGAS – Manel Kape thinks the UFC flyweight division is in need of a star champion, and 'Starboy' just happens to feel like he's the right man for the job. Kape (21-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) wants a shot at the title and a chance to bring excitement to the weight class following his latest win. The former Rizin FF champion picked up a TKO win over Asu Almabayev (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) on Saturday in the UFC Fight Night 253 main event, cementing him as a top title contender at 125 pounds. Kape has two straight wins and is 6-1 in his past seven fights, which makes him undeniable in his opinion. 'After this fight, there is no excuse for not giving me the title,' Kape said at the UFC Fight Night 253 post-fight press conference. 'I truly believe in the flyweight division needs a champion like me. I can build this division and bring respect like other divisions. I'm the only man that can do this.' Currently, the 125-pound UFC title is being held by Alexandre Pantoja, who holds a decision win over Kape. Kape respects Pantoja's skills and character, but he just doesn't feel like he clicks with the fanbase, making the division uninteresting. 'We see right now Pantoja as a champion has been for a long time, and they didn't build anything,' Kape said. 'Demetrious Johnson was the best in 125 and they didn't build anything. (Brandon) Moreno didn't build anything. I just don't just think (it's been exciting). I feel people love to watch me. Even if they hate me or love me, they want to watch me fight. 'This division don't go anywhere. It needs something spicy, and I'm the hot man.' Pantoja has yet to be booked to defend his title. Kape is hoping to be his next challenger and this time around he promises things will play out much differently than their 2021 meet. 'It's going to be very, very different,' Kape said when asked about a potential rematch. 'I'm in another dimension of fighting. Things have been good. I'm in my timing. I'm in flow state. Definitely with Pantoja, my style against him is going to match very well, and I believe I'm definitely going to stop him.' For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC Fight Night 253.
