Manel โStarboyโ Kape has accused his adversary Muhammad โPunisherโ Mokaev of betrayal. The two fighters have been embroiled in a bitter feud for several weeks. Tensions escalated when Kape and Mokaev recently had a heated confrontation at the UFC fighter hotel. Following the incident, Kape promptly alleged that Mokaev had deceitfully launched an attack against him.
Manel Kape and Muhammad Mokaev are both devout Muslims who devotedly profess their Islamic faith. Kape, in particular, was also seen embracing Islam on several occasions. However, the former Rizin champion implied that Mokaev was not a true Muslim for the group attack. Additionally, he posted a tweet with a picture of a cut on Mokaevโs forehead.
What kind of Muslim are you? You gave me Salam asked to take a picture and then tried to punch me in the betrayal… When I hit you in Vegas I went alone and I told you to be ready, I don’t hit men with their guard down or distracted or on the back. I thought everything was solved, but now the carnage will continueโฆ Shaytan!
Manel Kape via X
The Portuguese fighter, born in Angola, will face off against the Punisher at UFC 304. Earlier this year, Kapeโs teammate Jean Silva implied that Kape had a physical confrontation with Mokaev at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. This incident sheds light on one of the reasons for their recent altercation.
What kind of Muslim are you? You gave me Salam asked to take a picture and then tried to punch me in the betrayal, i can see now you are not a child of the dagestao, because there are created men you are just a poor bastard raised on a low income in Manchester without honor andโฆ pic.twitter.com/DorTl7VHkH
โ ใใใซใปใฑใคใ ู ูุณู Manel Kape (@ManelKape) July 25, 2024
In the lead-up to the fight week, there was an air of calm between both the fighters. However, tensions erupted into chaos when a violent altercation unfolded between the fighters and their respective teams at the fighter hotel. Following the incident, Kapeโs coach made a daring accusation, claiming that the brawl had been deliberately orchestrated as a setup.
Eric Nicksick claims that the brawl was a set-up by Muhammad Mokaevโs team
Manel Kapeโs assertion was swiftly supported by his coach, Eric Nicksick. In an exclusive interview with MMA Junkie, the esteemed trainer provided his insights into the situation. He went as far as to allege that Mokaev and his team had employed underhanded tactics prior to the match.
Manel Kapeโs coach Eric Nicksick sheds light on the brawl situation (via Instagram)According to Nicksick, Kape was asked to take a photo with Mokaev โfor our Muslim brothers.โ Kape agreed. The next moment, Starboy was attacked by Mokaevโs camp. Nicksick also confirmed that nobody was injured in the brief physical altercation.
According to Eric Nicksick, Manel Kape was set up by Muhammad Mokaev.
Kape was asked to take a photo with Mokaev “for our Muslim brothers”, to which Kape agreed. Following this, Manel Kape was attacked by Mokaev’s camp.
Manel Kape has since reacted to the incident:
“What kindโฆ pic.twitter.com/SWaMRVg8uU
โ Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 25, 2024
Banters and off-the-cage altercations are a part of this sport. At this point, the passion remains pretty high as we get closer and closer to fight night. The fightโs winner between both highly talented fighters might make his contention strong for Alexandre Pantojaโs belt. Now, it remains to be seen how the rivalry between the undefeated fighter and the former Rizin champion will end.
