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December 3, 2021, Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 3: Manel Kape poses on the scale during the UFC Vegas 44: Aldo v Font Weigh-in at UFC Apex on December 3, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Las Vegas, Nevada United States – ZUMAp175 20211203_zsa_p175_088 Copyright: xDiegoxRibasx
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1008426934h.jpg)
via Imago
December 3, 2021, Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 3: Manel Kape poses on the scale during the UFC Vegas 44: Aldo v Font Weigh-in at UFC Apex on December 3, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Las Vegas, Nevada United States – ZUMAp175 20211203_zsa_p175_088 Copyright: xDiegoxRibasx
Flyweight slugger Manel Kape is currently on a four-fight winning streak and will look to keep his winning momentum going. However, facing the relentless Muhammad Mokaev will be a challenge for the 30-year-old. As he prepares for his UFC 304 battle, we take a look at his training partners and coaches.
During his respectable 19-6 run in MMA so far, Kape has put together a 6-3 record in RIZIN, and a 4-2 record in the UFC. His first two UFC fights did not go his way, and one of them was against current divisional champion Alexandre Pantoja. ‘Starboy’ has won four bouts on the trot since then, all thanks to his team that is preparing him for his Manchester outing at the moment.
Who are Manel Kape’s coaches? Where is his gym?
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Manel Kape has seen his stardom rise in the UFC in recent years. Popularly known as ‘Starboy’, Kape has been in red hot form inside the Octagon. The #8 ranked flyweight has grown leaps and bounces during his journey in the UFC. Kape has been a longtime member of the AKA’s branch in Thailand. AKA is home to fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, and Islam Makhachev. So it should come as no surprise that one of his biggest assets is his ground game and grappling.
He has been working under the watchful guidance of Luliia Kukharchuk, who has helped him improve his game. Kape has also worked with Xtreme Couture, where fighters like Francis Ngannou and Sean Strickland train under the watchful eye of Eric Nicksick.
Before making a move to the UFC in 2022, Kape had already made a name for himself in the sport. However, he has lived up to the expectations after delivering some stellar performances inside the Octagon. Of his four UFC wins, two came via finishes, and one of them was a first-round flying knee KO!
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Manel Kape's success more about his talent or the quality of his coaches?
Have an interesting take?
His next target is the flyweight title and the road goes through Muhammad Mokaev. The 30-year-old not only has good quality coaches but also has world-class training partners who are helping him prepare for the bout. Before his clash at UFC 304, let us look at his training partners.
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A long list of Manel Kape’s teammates
The old adage iron sharpens iron could not be more true for MMA. High-level training partners elevate their teammates as well – look at AKA or Xtreme Couture for example. Kape is one of the most complete fighters in the division and his training partners have helped him to a great end. The 30-year-old has had the privilege of training with the legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. He took to his Instagram account to share a picture of him with ‘The Eagle’. Kape seemed impressed with the Dagestani and tried to learn a lot from him.
Jean Silva also is one of the training partners of ‘StarBoy’. As UFC 304 approaches, most of the fans are excited to witness what Kape brings to the table this time around. Both fighters have very different fighting styles, which makes the clash really interesting one
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The whole rivalry started after the pair was involved in a brawl. However, they will now have the opportunity to settle things once and for all when they step inside the Octagon. Kape will look to keep his winning momentum going when he takes on Mokaev in his next clash.
Who do you think will win the fight at UFC 304? Let us know in the comments below.
Debate
Is Manel Kape's success more about his talent or the quality of his coaches?