Manel Kape envisions a UFC title fight the next time he steps inside the Octagon.
The stage was set for a high stakes flyweight tilt in the main event of UFC Vegas 119 this past Saturday. For Kape, not only was it a chance to make a strong case for a 125-pound title fight, but it was an opportunity to get revenge on Kyoji Horiguchi. “Starboy” was submitted by Horiguchi under the Rizin banner back in 2017.
This go-around, it was Kape who turned the tables. He scored a third-round TKO finish to secure a “Performance of the Night” bonus and his fourth victory in a row. Kape appeared at the UFC Vegas 119 post-fight presser and he told reporters that he believes a shot at reigning UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van is in order (h/t MMAJunkie).
“It was enough,” Kape said. “Even last time when I fought Brandon Royval, it was enough. Everything I do in the cage was enough because I win spectacular – I finish the guys. But let them fight. I need to take some time off, take care of business, chill out with family and see my friends. I just want to rest a little bit.”
Kape has long been calling for a title shot, but he’s taken on just about every challenge UFC matchmakers have thrown at him and passed with flying colors. After an 0-2 start under the UFC banner, “Starboy” has since gone 8-1. He hasn’t been defeated since July 2024.
Van recently earned his first successful flyweight title defense against Tatsuro Taira. He secured “Fight of the Night” honors with a fifth-round TKO finish. Whether or not “The Fearless” will make his second title defense against Kape will be a story to watch in the coming months.
Is it time for Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape, or do you have another contender in mind? Let your voice be heard in the comments below.
