Manel Kape and flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja had a respectful exchange after UFC Fight Night 253.
Kape (21-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) scored a TKO win over Asu Almabayev (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) in this past Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 253 main event to emerge as a title contender. “Starboy” is 6-1 in his past seven fights.
Kape wants Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) next, and he got a chance to address the champion when Pantoja was called into the ESPN post-fight show. Pantoja, who spoiled Kape’s UFC debut in February 2021, had nothing but praise for his former opponent.
“What a fight, Manel is so strong,” Pantoja said. “Manel is a different level, this guy (Almabayev) is not on the same level as Manel. …I’m very happy to have Manel in my division, in the UFC, because the shows like that, I love to watch Manel fighting, he’s so entertaining. He’s so good, he has so many skills in striking, he has good takedown defense. Very good Manel, you deserve all the glory.”
“You can come for the title, but I’m here brother.”
Usually known for his trash talk on the mic, Kape reciprocated the respect towards Pantoja, but sent him a warning.
“I’m a big fan of Pantoja, the way he cares for his family just shows how good a man he is,” Kape responded. “He’s not just a fighter. I can see values and principles, and Pantoja is the guy who has these things.
“He’s been working for his kids and his family. I don’t have any bad energy, we are respectful, but when it comes to the title, I have to take that belt man. I want to feed my daughters as well so Pantoja, be ready.”
Kape was then asked to break down Pantoja’s weaknesses.
“There is many things I can exploit in Pantoja’s game,” Kape said. “I just see that Pantoja walks forward too much, you know? And brother, I’m a sniper. So prepare for that. That hand is heavy. There is 14 knockouts here in MMA. It’s not every weight that has that much knockouts as me; flyweight, welterweight, bantamweight. I have 14 knockouts so, be ready.”
When it was Pantoja’s turn, he chose not to reveal too much, as the pair closed things out in cordial fashion.
“You’re too cocky,” Pantoja laughed.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 253.
