UFC Fight Night 253's Manel Kape calls for Alexandre Pantoja rematch, says flyweight needs him as champion

LAS VEGAS – Manel Kape thinks the UFC flyweight division is in need of a star champion, and “Starboy” just happens to feel like he’s the right man for the job.

Kape (21-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) wants a shot at the title and a chance to bring excitement to the weight class following his latest win. The former Rizin FF champion picked up a TKO win over Asu Almabayev (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) on Saturday in the UFC Fight Night 253 main event, cementing him as a top title contender at 125 pounds. Kape has two straight wins and is 6-1 in his past seven fights, which makes him undeniable in his opinion.

“After this fight, there is no excuse for not giving me the title,” Kape said at the UFC Fight Night 253 post-fight press conference. “I truly believe in the flyweight division needs a champion like me. I can build this division and bring respect like other divisions. I’m the only man that can do this.”

Currently, the 125-pound UFC title is being held by Alexandre Pantoja, who holds a decision win over Kape. Kape respects Pantoja’s skills and character, but he just doesn’t feel like he clicks with the fanbase, making the division uninteresting.

“We see right now Pantoja as a champion has been for a long time, and they didn’t build anything,” Kape said. “Demetrious Johnson was the best in 125 and they didn’t build anything. (Brandon) Moreno didn’t build anything. I just don’t just think (it’s been exciting). I feel people love to watch me. Even if they hate me or love me, they want to watch me fight.

“This division don’t go anywhere. It needs something spicy, and I’m the hot man.”

Pantoja has yet to be booked to defend his title. Kape is hoping to be his next challenger and this time around he promises things will play out much differently than their 2021 meet.

“It’s going to be very, very different,” Kape said when asked about a potential rematch. “I’m in another dimension of fighting. Things have been good. I’m in my timing. I’m in flow state. Definitely with Pantoja, my style against him is going to match very well, and I believe I’m definitely going to stop him.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 253.