Manel Kape has made his thoughts clear on where he belongs in the flyweight title picture and a lot of folks are listening.
With a lopsided win over Bruno Silva at UFC Tampa on Saturday, Kape reminded everyone why he was once one of the most hyped additions to the 125-pound roster. Kape battered Silva for the majority of their contest before putting his fellow finisher down with a flurry of strikes in Round 3. It was Kape’s first knockout win since December 2021 and it put a stop to Silva’s impressive four-fight win streak.
Afterwards, Kape ran down the rest of the flyweight division and set his sights on champion Alexandre Pantoja. Should he book that fight next, it sounds like there will be few complaints, as his fellow fighters were effusive with their praise of his performance.
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad said, simply, “That was a title shot worthy performance.”
See more social media reactions to Manel Kape’s win at UFC Tampa below.
That was a title shot worthy performance— Belal Muhammad
For real— Terrance McKinney
Manel Kape got kicked in the nuts and then stood up and performed like Ali in the matrix. He’s different for real #ufctampa— Terrance McKinney
Manel Kape is just lightning fast with his strikes and reaction time tonight. There are times where he looks like a top 3 striker in the @ufc When he is on his game, he is a lot of fun to watch! Get that takedown defense, back defense and get-up game ready Manel, a date with…— Kenny Florian
Scary fast and mean @ManelKape— Jorge Masvidal
Great win for Kape #UFCTampa— Jillian DeCoursey