Manel Kape’s Growing Case for a Title Shot

UFC Vegas 103 touched down inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card featured a pivotal showdown between top ten flyweights No. 6-ranked Manel Kape (21-7-0) and No. 8-ranked Asu Almabayev (21-3-0).

Kape’s Best Performance Yet

Kape, 31, had arguably his best UFC performance in this main event matchup with Kazakhstan’s Almabyev. The talented striker took advantage of his hand speed. He displayed remarkable takedown defense and pinpoint striking, which led to a third-round TKO.

Almabeyev, 31, had nothing to offer in response to Kape’s calculated pressure and sniping punches on the feet. The well-rounded flyweight was forced to shoot telegraphed takedowns. He winged overhand rights desperately, hoping for some semblance of success.

The fight opened with both men actively hand-fighting in the middle as they looked to establish their range. Kape consistently forced Almabayev to fight backward, nullifying the talented wrestler’s takedown threat. Once comfortable on the feet, Kape lifted his striking with heavy use of his left straight.

Almabayev, on the other hand, chose to open the fight with a kick-heavy approach to striking. Kape did not give him room to operate. Almabayev struggled to ease into his offense because Kape was constantly in his face, threatening hard punches. Almabayev ultimately went 0/6 on takedowns, which speaks to Kape’s elite takedown defense.

The fight continued in this fashion until Almabayev eventually wilted under Kape’s pressure and clean striking. In the third round, he was forced to run away and turn his back from the forward-pressing Kape. This bad look for Almabayev prompted the referee to step in appropriately and call an end to the fight.

It is worth mentioning that Kape got away with a few eye pokes. These occurred particularly near the closing segment of the main event fight.

The Peculiar State of Flyweight

Kape is now in a favorable position within the flyweight division following his impressive performance at UFC Vegas 103. Alexandre Pantoja, the reigning and defending champion, weighed in on Kape’s quality victory. Both flyweights traded words during the UFC Post-Fight show.

The flyweight division unraveled in a complex manner. The champion Pantoja has already defeated seven of the top fifteen ranked fighters. Brandon Moreno, Brandon Royval, and Steve Erceg have all been beaten by Pantoja. Kai Asakura, Alex Perez, Kai Kara-France, and Manel Kape also suffered defeat against him. Royval and Moreno have lost more than once to Pantoja, making them extremely difficult title matchups.

Hopeful title challengers within the top fifteen must consider these divisional circumstances. They can cement their title shot with standout performances alone. This was proven after Kai Kara-France’s jaw-dropping first-round TKO against Steve Erceg. It is rumored to have earned him a title shot scheduled for UFC 316, yet this fight is still unofficial.

That said, Kape is now 6-1 in his last seven fights, four of these wins coming via finish. Kape has fought backwards in the rankings, achieving back-to-back stoppage wins over ranked opponents Bruno Silva and Asu Almabayev. His fan-friendly fight style makes him a worthy challenger for the winner between Kara-France and Pantoja.

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About Post Author

Dawson Carrell

Dawson Carrell is a Combat Sports Writer with over two years of experience covering MMA, Boxing, and the broader fight game. Known for his in-depth analysis and sharp insight, Dawson enjoys breaking down the tactics, techniques, and personalities that shape the fight game.

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