The UFC community is home to many of the world’s most exciting MMA fighters. One such fighter in the UFC flyweight division is Manel Kape. Following his recent victory at UFC Tampa, Kape’s post-fight octagon interview attracted significant attention. Notably, even former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya reacted to it.
Israel Adesanya often sits at home and records his live reactions to UFC fights. In the recent UFC Tampa fight card, Manel ‘Starboy’ Kape faced off against Bruno Silva and delivered one of the best performances of his career. However, in his octagon interview, Kape had some harsh words for Adesanya. Interestingly, Izzy replied with 50 Cent’s reaction to Floyd Mayweather amid their beef a few years ago.
Why’d he say f**k me for?… I gave the man his credits, he looked nice… This shows I been in his head this whole time. I didn’t even think it was like that, but he did well, good job. Little b*tch a** n*gga.
Israel Adesanya on his official YouTube channel
Interestingly, both Kape and Adesanya have had a longstanding rivalry. It began over a year ago when the Portuguese fighter exchanged insults with the former UFC middleweight champion. Following that verbal altercation, Kape developed a deep animosity toward Adesanya and has since made several criticisms directed at him.
Israel Adesanya reacts to Manel Kape’s post-fight interview last night 😭
“Why he say f*** me for?… This shows I’ve been in his head this whole time…
But he did well. Good job, lil b*tch ass n****.”
🎥 @stylebender #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/AByabeQa4w
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 15, 2024
In one instance, Kape expressed confidence in easily defeating Adesanya in a street fight. However, over time, Kape’s disdain for Izzy intensified, while Adesanya seemed unaffected and unbothered by Starboy’s antics. This is partly due to his rivalry with Adesanya’s teammate, Kai Kara-France.
During UFC Tampa, Adesanya was surprised by the strong remarks Kape made about him. Interestingly, while criticizing Izzy, the Portuguese fighter also made some demands to the UFC head honcho.
Dana White reacts to Manel Kape’s request at UFC Tampa
Manel Kape is a rising contender in the UFC flyweight division who made his promotional debut in 2021. Although he had a shaky start, Kape is currently experiencing a surge in confidence, which is evident in his fights. Following his recent victory, he has demanded a title shot as he aims to revamp the flyweight division.
Manel Kape in action at UFC Tampa (Image via Instagram/@ufc)Alexandre Pantoja is currently the UFC flyweight champion, but he has faced considerable criticism for some lackluster performances throughout his career. Kape believes that he can take the title from Pantoja and revitalize the division. A few hours later, UFC CEO Dana White was asked if he would give Starboy a chance at the title next. In response, White seemingly dismissed the idea of that.
No, no he’s not getting a title shot but we’ll definitely give him (Manel Kape) what he’s looking for.
Dana White via UFC Tampa post-fight press conference
Dana White says Manel Kape is not getting a title shot.#UFC pic.twitter.com/RjlkVivhft
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) December 15, 2024
Instead of fighting Kape in his next title defense, Pantoja may have several other formidable opponents to consider in the division. Although Dana White dismissed the possibility of Kape fighting for the belt against Pantoja next, he stated having something lucrative for the ex-RIZIN fighter.
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