Manel Kape was wildly impressive with his third-round TKO win over Bruno Silva in Tampa on Saturday night, but not quite good enough for him to earn a shot at the UFC flyweight championship.
Kape appealed to UFC President Dana White between the second and third rounds for a title shot as he was well in control of the fight heading into the final frame. White could be heard through a hot mic telling Kape, “You’ve got five more minutes. Take care of business and we’ll have a conversation.”
After Kape scored the TKO win, he again repeated his desire to receive a title shot. After the event, it was unclear if White and Kape had spoken.
However, during the post-event presser, a reporter asked White if Kape was going to get the next shot at champion Alexandre Pantoja and White bluntly responded, “No, he’s not getting a title shot. But we’ll definitely give him what he’s looking for.”
Here is a look at the segment.
It’s unclear what the UFC will give Kape, if it’s giving him “what he’s looking for,” if that’s not a title shot.
It sounds as though he could be set for a title eliminator, and that could be against bitter rival Kai Kara France, the man many suspect will be the next contender to challenge Pantoja.
Kape fought Pantoja in February 2021 in his UFC debut and lost via unanimous decision. However, on Saturday night, he looked masterful. Kape toyed with Silva on the feet, as you can see in the exchange below, and he was able to shut down his opponent’s attempts to grapple.
His striking was slick and explosive, and he had to overcome three low blows from Silva to get the finish. The third foul cost Silva a point. It wound up being inconsequential as Kape got the finish in the final round.
Kape landed his own borderline kick to Silva to start the flurry that led to the end of the fight.
In case you missed it, here is a look at the finish:
Kape came into the fight ranked No. 9 and Silva was No. 12. There is a chance Kape remains at No. 9 when the new rankings are released on Wednesday.
Because of that, it would seem Kape might be one more win away from getting the title shot he covets.
If Kape isn’t next for Pantoja, a rematch with Kara France, a third fight with Brandon Royval, or perhaps some new blood in the form of a title challenge from No. 7 contender, Asu Almabayev.
Here is a look at all of the results from UFC Tampa.
UFC Fight Night: Covington vs Buckley Results
- Joaquin Buckley defeats Colby Covington by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 4:42 of Round 3
- Cub Swanson defeats Billy Quarantillo by KO (right hand) at 1:36 of Round 3
- Manel Kape defeats Bruno Silva by TKO (strikes) at 1:57 of Round 3
- Dustin Jacoby defeats Vitor Petrino by KO (right hand) at 3:44 of Round 3
- Daniel Marcos defeats Adrian Yanez by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
- Navajo Stirling defeats Tuco Tokkos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Michael Johnson defeats Ottman Azaitar by KO (right hook) at 2:03 of Round 2
- Joel Álvarez defeats Drakkar Klose by KO (flying knee) at 2:48 of Round 1
- Sean Woodson defeats Fernando Padilla by TKO (strikes) at 4:58 of Round 1
- Felipe Lima defeats Miles Johns by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Miranda Maverick defeats Jamey-Lyn Horth by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Davey Grant defeats Ramon Taveras by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Piera Rodriguez defeats Josefine Knutsson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
