Manel Kape, a name that has been making waves in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), is a remarkable fighter with an incredible journey. Born on November 14, 1993, Kape has emerged as a rising sensation in the highly competitive MMA scene.
With a professional career that began in 2012, Manel Kape has fought his way through various organizations, showcasing his skills and determination. From his early days in Cage Fighters to his time with Rizin Fighting Federation, Kape has left a lasting impact on the sport.
As the former Rizin Bantamweight Champion and the former Knock Out Championship Bantamweight Champion, Kape has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. His impressive achievements and victories have propelled him to the top of the ranks.
Currently competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Manel Kape continues to defy expectations and showcase his remarkable fighting abilities. With a current ranking of #8 in the UFC flyweight rankings, Kape’s star continues to rise.
Early Career
Prior to his successful mixed martial arts career, Manel Kape had a background in boxing matches. However, he made his professional MMA debut at just 17 years old, showcasing his talent and determination.
Kape’s debut took place with Cage Fighters, where he quickly made an impact. In his first-round bout against Artur Gomes, he secured a TKO victory, displaying his impressive skills from the start.
Following his debut, Kape continued to build his reputation in the MMA world. He went on to achieve notable wins, including a swift TKO victory over Renato Ferreira and his first submission win against Ricardo Teixeira.
Early Career Highlights
- Professional MMA debut at 17 years old.
- TKO victory against Artur Gomes in the first round.
- Notable wins over Renato Ferreira and Ricardo Teixeira.
Rizin Fighting Federation
After a brief hiatus due to canceled bouts, Manel Kape signed with Rizin Fighting Federation, a renowned MMA organization based in Japan. Kape’s time in Rizin was marked by impressive performances and notable wins, solidifying his reputation as a top bantamweight contender.
In particular, Kape participated in the Rizin bantamweight Grand Prix, a prestigious tournament that showcased some of the best fighters in the division. Throughout the tournament, Kape demonstrated his skills and resilience, earning victories against formidable opponents.
Kyoji Horiguchi: A Memorable Showdown
One of the highlights of Kape’s journey in Rizin was his showdown with Kyoji Horiguchi, a highly respected fighter in the bantamweight division. Although Kape faced a loss against Horiguchi in the Grand Prix semifinals, the bout showcased his tenacity and ability to compete at the highest level.
Despite the loss, Kape’s performances in Rizin caught the attention of MMA fans and experts worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a rising sensation in the sport. His time in Rizin laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the world of MMA.
| Tournament | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rizin bantamweight Grand Prix | Erson Yamamoto | Win (TKO) |
| Rizin bantamweight Grand Prix | Ian McCall | Win (Unanimous Decision) |
| Rizin bantamweight Grand Prix | Kyoji Horiguchi | Loss (Unanimous Decision) |
Ultimate Fighting Championship: Manel Kape’s Promotional Debut and Notable Opponents
Manel Kape’s journey in the world of mixed martial arts continued as he signed a four-fight deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in March 2020, making his promotional debut and becoming the first Portuguese-Angolan fighter to join the prestigious organization. The UFC provided a new platform for Kape to showcase his skills and test himself against some of the best fighters in the flyweight division.
In his first UFC bout, Kape faced off against Rogério Bontorin, a highly skilled Brazilian fighter. Despite a tough challenge, Kape displayed his striking prowess and determination, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform at the highest level. Notable opponents awaited Kape in subsequent fights, including Alexandre Pantoja, an experienced flyweight contender known for his grappling prowess, and Matheus Nicolau, a skilled Brazilian fighter with a well-rounded skill set.
However, it was in his second UFC bout that Kape truly made a statement. With his devastating knockout victory over Ode’ Osbourne, Kape demonstrated his explosive power and ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion. This impressive win further solidified Kape’s status as a rising sensation in the flyweight division, capturing the attention of both fans and critics alike.
Recent UFC Performances
In recent UFC performances, Manel Kape has showcased his skills and resilience inside the Octagon. Despite facing some tough opponents, he has proven that he belongs among the best in the flyweight division. Let’s take a closer look at Kape’s recent wins and losses.
Wins and Losses
Manel Kape’s recent journey in the UFC has been a mix of victories and defeats. In his second UFC bout, Kape delivered a stunning technical knockout victory against Zhalgas Zhumagulov, showcasing his striking prowess and finishing ability. This win further solidified his reputation as a dangerous contender in the flyweight division.
However, Kape also faced a controversial split decision loss in a closely contested bout against Matheus Nicolau. Despite the defeat, Kape displayed his resilience and determination throughout the fight, earning the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike. The split decision loss serves as a reminder that victories in the UFC can often be determined by the thinnest of margins.
Mixed Martial Arts Record
Manel Kape has established an impressive mixed martial arts record throughout his career, featuring a total of 19 wins and 6 losses. His record is a testament to his skill, determination, and ability to thrive in the highly competitive world of MMA.
Within his victories, Kape has showcased his diverse skill set, securing wins by knockout, submission, and decision. Each victory highlights his adaptability and strategic approach to different opponents and fighting styles.
Notable victories in Kape’s record include triumphs over accomplished fighters such as Felipe dos Santos, David Dvorak, and Zhalgas Zhumagulov. These wins demonstrate his ability to overcome formidable opponents and solidify his standing as a top competitor in his weight class.
