A Title Shot on Hold
Manel Kape was not entirely shocked when his call for a title shot fell on deaf ears and the UFC scheduled him for a different fight. After an impressive win over Bruno Silva in December, Kape had hoped he might be in line to face flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. However, Pantoja, who had recently defeated newcomer Kai Asakura at UFC 310, did not have a clear No. 1 contender. Instead, Kape is now set to face Asu Almabayev in the main event, after Brandon Royval pulled out due to a concussion sustained during training. Despite the setback, Kape remains focused and pragmatic, believing that a match between Pantoja and perennial contender Kai Kara-France is the more fitting next step in the title picture.
Honesty and Feuds
Kape’s sentiments towards Kara-France are well-known, as the two were scheduled to fight in 2023, a bout that Kara-France bailed on just weeks before the event. This has led to a significant rivalry, with Kape frequently taking swipes at Kara-France in interviews. However, when it comes to the potential title fight, Kape’s brutal honesty shines through. “Kai Kara-France, I believe he has the style to match up with Pantoja,” Kape admitted. “He’s a little bit of a bitch but he has the style. He can do something different than other fighters didn’t do.” Kape acknowledges that Kara-France’s emotional volatility might be a double-edged sword, but he also recognizes Kara-France’s superior striking skills, which could make for an intriguing and competitive match against the champion.
Champion’s Next Moves
While the UFC has yet to officially announce Pantoja’s next title defense, Kape is confident that a bout with Kara-France is imminent. “I think it’s a good match. I think [Pantoja] should fight Kai Kara-France,” he said. Pantoja, known for his well-rounded skill set and extensive experience, will likely face a tough challenge from the striking specialist Kara-France. Kape’s assessment paints a picture of a fight that is fraught with both tension and potential, making it a high-stakes match that could shape the future of the flyweight division.
March 1: A Crucial Milestone
Kape is gearing up for his fight against Asu Almabayev on March 1, a crucial bout that could solidify his position as a top contender. “I’m in good shape, I’ve been very good in training. Very good in my sparring,” Kape shared. He views this fight as an opportunity to deliver another highlight-reel performance and prove his worth in the division. A win against Almabayev would not only showcase his ability but also potentially set the stage for a future title shot, depending on how the Pantoja-Kara-France bout unfolds.
Ramadan and Reflection
In the lead-up to his fight, Kape will be observing Ramadan, a period of spiritual reflection and religious observance. “I’m going to spend the rest of the money observing Ramadan,” he mentioned. This indicates a strong sense of balance in Kape’s life, where his commitment to his faith and personal well-being is as important as his professional goals. Ramadan is a time for introspection and community, and Kape’s dedication to these principles shows a depth of character that goes beyond the octagon.
The Future: A Clear Vision
Kape is optimistic about his future in the UFC, seeing 2024 as the year he becomes the flyweight champion. “This is finally the year [I become champion],” he declared. His belief in his own success is rooted in his current form and the progress he has made in training. “I’m going to put on a show, another highlight and then get the title, wait for the winner [of Pantoja vs. Kara-France], that’s the future that I see. Only God knows everything and we will see what’s going to happen,” Kape said. While he remains grounded, acknowledging that only time will tell, his determination and focus are unmistakable, making him a formidable presence in the flyweight division.
