Kape claims to be the only fighter capable of dethroning Pantoja in the UFC

Manel Kape was one of the main highlights of UFC Tampa. In the event held last Saturday (14), the Angolan dominated Bruno Silva and won by knockout in the third round. Therefore, the athlete, excited about his performance and the praise he received from part of the MMA community, exuded confidence about his future in the flyweight division (57 kg) and has already planned a new duel against Alexandre Pantoja.

After winning at UFC Tampa, 'Starboy', still in the octagon, made clear his desire to face the category champion and challenged him. In the post-event press conference, Kape reinforced the challenge and recognized the Brazilian's quality. However, anyone who thinks that the Angolan fears the veteran, who has been dominating the division, is mistaken.

On the contrary, the athlete, who faced Pantoja in 2021, claimed to be the only fighter capable of facing him on equal terms and dethroning him. On that occasion, the Brazilian got the better of 'Starboy', who was making his debut in the league, by unanimous decision, in a balanced fight. Now, Kape, accustomed to the UFC, showed confidence in his evolution and signaled that the result of the possible rematch against his rival will be different.

“Pantoja is a great fighter, he has shown a lot of progress in his last fights, he was very decisive in his victories, he showed that he was at a completely higher level than the opponents he faced, but, if you look at my fight with him, it was extremely balanced. It was my first fight in the UFC, adapting to the cage, it had been years since I fought barefoot. We talked about my speed. He's a tremendous athlete, but right now, I'm the only one capable of beating Pantoja, there is no one. If they try to attack someone, they will receive another beating”, declared the athlete.

UFC Tampa results:

Joaquin Buckley knocked out Colby Covington in the 3rd round;

Cub Swanson knocked out Billy Quarantillo in the 3rd round;

Manel Kape knocked out Bruno 'Bulldog' in the 3rd round;

Dustin Jacoby KO Victor Petrino in the 3rd round;

Daniel Marcos beat Adrian Yañez by split decision;

Navajo Stirling defeated Tuco Tokkos via unanimous decision;

Michael Johnson knocked out Ottman Azaitar in the 2nd round;

Joel Álvarez knocked out Drakkar Klose in the 1st round;

Sean Woodson knocked out Fernando Padilla in the 1st round;

Felipe Lima beat Miles Johns by unanimous decision;

Miranda Maverick beat Jamey-Lyn Horth by unanimous decision;

Davey Grant defeated Ramon Taveras by unanimous decision;

Piera Rodríguez defeated Josefine Lindgren Knutsson by unanimous decision.