Manel Kape delivered a commanding performance this past Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, solidifying his status as a serious contender in the flyweight division. Kape, holding a professional record of 21 wins and 7 losses, faced off against Asu Almabayev, who entered the octagon with a record of 21 wins and 2 losses, and a remarkable 17-fight winning streak. However, Kape showed that he was ready to challenge the dominance of Almabayev, finishing the bout in the third round via TKO at the 2:16 mark. This victory marks a significant point in Kape’s career, especially as it represents Almabayev’s first loss since 2017.
In the wake of the victory, Kape made his intentions clear: he believes he deserves a title shot. “Who is next against me?” he asked, voice brimming with confidence. Kape, having already faced the current champion, Alexandre Pantoja, in his UFC debut, seems eager to rectify that setback. Pantoja, boasting an impressive seven-fight win streak himself, now lacks formidable challengers, making Kape a prime candidate for a rematch. Kape’s recent form has seen him win six out of his last seven fights, presenting a compelling argument for a title opportunity.
Statistics from the fight reveal Kape’s clear dominance. He outstruck Almabayev, landing 63 total strikes to Almabayev’s 40. This numerical advantage, however, only tells part of the story. Kape’s control was evident as he consistently dictated the pace of the fight. He took center stage at the outset of each round and effectively pressured Almabayev, stringing together precise combinations that kept his opponent on the back foot throughout the contest.
Despite a couple of missed eyepokes by the referee, Michael Beltran, Kape’s authoritative performance diminished their significance. The finishing sequence, where Kape pinned Almabayev against the cage and unleashed a flurry of punches and knees, showcased his striking prowess and finish-first mentality. Remarkably, Kape has finished four of his last six opponents, positioning him as not just a contender, but a dangerous one.
As the flyweight division evolves, Manel Kape has emerged as a thrilling athlete to watch. His compelling blend of wrestling and striking means he can adapt to any challenge thrown his way. Alongside potential challengers like Kai Kara-France, Kape’s recent victory exemplifies the dynamic landscape of this weight class. With champions like Pantoja running out of options, Kape’s momentum could ensure that he secures a title shot sooner rather than later.
Manel Kape’s latest victory not only highlights his skill as a mixed martial artist but also positions him as a formidable contender for the flyweight championship. As he looks ahead, fans and analysts alike will keenly await the matchups that will define his career in the octagon.