The flyweight clash between Manel Kape and Muhammad Mokaev is a phenomenal fight. It has all the makings of an exhilarating striker vs. grappler matchup. But Kape has a different view of this. The heavy-hitting Portuguese contender sees himself as much more than a one-dimensional fighter.
Mokaev has earned a reputation as one of the division’s elite wrestlers, repeatedly implementing a smothering grappling attack. Kape, however, remained utterly unbothered. He compared himself to the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov. Kape felt that his ground game was more than enough to counter that of Muhammad Mokaev.
I’m a very complete fighter, I know I’m well known for my knockout so will have to focus on my boxing, on my kickboxing, my knees, my elbows, my everything is him, not me about wrestling. I’m like Khabib in flyweight division, I don’t care.
Manel Kape via Grind City Media
Kape is set to take on Mokaev at UFC 304. The confident 30-year-old has faced elite grapplers like Alexandre Pantoja and Matheus Nicolau early in his UFC tenure. Kape showcased underrated defensive grappling chops. He’s confident those skills will neutralize Mokaev’s wrestling attempts. The #7 ranked contender prides himself on his full offensive arsenal – hands, elbows, knees, and kicks.
Manel Kape says he is “Khabib in Flyweight Division” and is not worried about Muhammad Mokaev’s wrestling
“How many fighters you see take me down? Even Pantoja the champion he fight me, he didn’t take me down.
You think Mokaev is gonna take me down? If he takes me down, I’m… pic.twitter.com/0QTARinW50
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 24, 2024
Mokaev has thrived at implementing his A-game thus far. But he has yet to face an opponent with Kape’s diverse striking craft. The flashy Portuguese can strike from any range and angle with fight-ending power. So if the takedowns aren’t there for Mokaev, can he outpoint the heavy-handed veteran on the feet? Or will Kape’s unique blend of skills be too much for the grappling phenom? Only time will tell.
Manel Kape takes shots at Alexandre Pantoja
Manel Kape is gearing up for his potential title eliminator against Muhammad Mokaev at UFC 304. The heavy-handed Portuguese contender also made bold claims about the current flyweight kingpin. Kape remained wholly unimpressed with the Brazilian’s performances despite Alexandre Pantoja‘s successful title defenses.
Manel Kape targets Alexandre Pantoja (via MMA News)Grind City Media recently interviewed Kape. Kape went on to say that Pantoja was not a very skilled fighter. Despite praising the flyweight champion, Kape also revealed that he could end Pantoja’s title reign.
Pantoja is not a skilled guy, he is just a hard worker. But every fight he has been exhausted, very sloppy fighter… I have many ways to finish Pantoja. Right now I feel like we’re in different dimensions of levels.
Manel Kape via Grind City Media
The #7 ranked fighter dismissed the champion’s grit and durability. This is even after Kape had lost to the current champion back in 2021. He also took shots at Pantoja’s last title defense. This was a hard-fought split-decision victory for Pantoja over the relatively inexperienced Steve Erceg at UFC 301. Many thought Erceg did enough to win. As such, Kape remains confident in dethroning the flyweight champion.
