Manel Kape wasn’t completely surprised when his call for a title shot wasn’t immediately answered. Instead of a title fight, the UFC booked him in another match.
After a dominant performance where he defeated Bruno Silva in December, Kape hoped to get a chance against flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. Pantoja didn’t have a clear number one contender after his victory over Kai Asakura at UFC 310. However, Kape is now scheduled to headline an event against Asu Almabayev after Brandon Royval had to withdraw due to a concussion.
Despite the situation, Kape is fine with fighting again, especially as it seems likely that Pantoja will defend his title against Kai Kara-France next.
“I don’t have strong feelings about it,” Kape said regarding the flyweight title picture. “I think it’s a good matchup. I believe Pantoja should fight Kai Kara-France.”
Kape’s opinion of Kara-France is well-known. They were supposed to fight in 2023, but Kara-France withdrew shortly before the event. Since then, Kape has often criticized Kara-France, even mentioning him in a passionate post-fight interview after his win against Silva.
Despite their personal issues, Kape is honest about how Kara-France might fare against Pantoja for the UFC title.
“I think Kai Kara-France has the right style to compete with Pantoja,” Kape stated. “Honestly, stylistically he matches up well. He might be a bit of a ‘b*tch’, but he has a different style than Pantoja’s previous opponents.”
“He’s very emotional, and Pantoja might use that to his advantage. But skill-wise, Kara-France is better than Pantoja in striking and on the feet. However, Pantoja is more well-rounded and experienced. It’s going to be a good fight.”
While nothing is officially announced, Kape anticipates Pantoja vs. Kara-France happening soon. This timeline could work out perfectly for Kape to face the winner later in the year.
Assuming he is successful against Almabayev on March 1st, Kape plans to observe Ramadan and then fully focus on getting a title shot.
“This year is finally my year to become champion,” Kape declared. “I truly believe it. I’m in great shape, and my training has been excellent.”
“I’m going to deliver an exciting performance, another highlight, and then get the title. I’ll wait for the winner of Pantoja vs. Kara-France, that’s what I see happening. Ultimately, God knows everything, and we’ll see.”
