Manel Kape is not all talks. After seizing headlines at the UFC 293 presser with his outburst, he carried the same fiery persona when he stepped into the Octagon at UFC 293. And Felipe dos Santos suffered the brunt of it inside the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The fight, with ranking implications, offered fans high-paced action and fireworks. And the two flyweights didn’t disappoint.
‘Starboy’ entered into the fight on the heels of a three-win streak. Meanwhile, dos Santos, making his promotional debut, had his work cut out in the #10 ranked flyweight. However, he had a nightmare debut as he not only dropped the fight but also registered the first loss of his career. But the Brazilian fighter amassed respect from the fans and Kape for showing heart in the fight.
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Notably, Kape won the fight via unanimous decision, as he swept the judges’ scorecard. After getting his hand raised, he didn’t shy away from turning it back once more and blasting Kai Kara-France.
A show of hearts followed by an X-rated rant at UFC 293
The fight started with a flyer, as both traded blow after blow. But it was Manel whose counterpunch rocked Dos Santos. Despite being dropped to the mat, he still remained relentless and aggressive in his approach. Kape then tried to mix things up and also employed grappling with his weaponry. On the other hand, Dos Santos relied on a voluminous punching approach.
Dos Santos’ confidence didn’t dip as the fight progressed, and he also banked on his voluminous approach. However, Kape’s power behind the punch separated the two. On multiple occasions, both traded blows, but it was Dos Santos who tripped back, reeling from the effects.
Manel Kape vs. Kai Kara-France next?! 👀
Hands up who'd love to see this one back on the cards?! 🙋♂️ #UFC293 pic.twitter.com/uYf9trlAwA
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 10, 2023
Despite trailing in the first two rounds, Dos Santos brought the fight to Kape in the final round. His punches even blew a hole in Kape’s face and cut him open. The heart and zeal to fight shown by Dos Santos was commendable and kept Kape on the edge throughout the fight. In the post-fight interview with DC, Kape said, “Actually, I have all the respect to the kid. He is not a kid, he is a man.”
Manel Kape calls out Kai Kara-France
“You [Kai Kara-France] are a piece of sh*t. That’s what you are. I’m going to fight you next,” Kape declared shortly after lauding dos Santos.
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He continued, “If you refuse again to fight me or pull two weeks out from the fight, I’m going to your city. I’m going to your academy. I’m going to spar you there… All your teammates are a bunch of ****.”
Previously, Kara-France had specified his desire to face Kape and disclosed that a fight involving the two would take place in the future. However, tensions are soaring high between Kape and City Kickboxing, and a matchup doesn’t look like a stretched reality.
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What do you make of this exciting fight at UF 293? Let us know in the comments below.
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