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Gets controversial win Saturday
Kape defeated Asu Almabayev via TKO (punches) at 2:16 of Round 3 at UFC Vegas 103 on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Kape picks up the win and a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus here, but this fight was not without its fair share of controversy. Kape may have been ahead on the scorecards 2-0 heading into Round 3, but the ultimate finish is one that will be questioned. First off, Kape appeared to -- almost intentionally -- scrape the eyes of his opponent not once, but twice, in the sequence leading up to the finish. It's also possible Almabayev's momentary retreat across the cage was perceived as a surrender by referee Mike Beltran, even if Almabayev intended to power through. Kape was landing punishing blows prior to that, but Almabayev appeared ready to fire back with a takedown. Now that it's all said and done, though, Kape walks away with a victory and a strong case for a future title shot -- if not at least a title eliminator.
Kape picks up the win and a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus here, but this fight was not without its fair share of controversy. Kape may have been ahead on the scorecards 2-0 heading into Round 3, but the ultimate finish is one that will be questioned. First off, Kape appeared to -- almost intentionally -- scrape the eyes of his opponent not once, but twice, in the sequence leading up to the finish. It's also possible Almabayev's momentary retreat across the cage was perceived as a surrender by referee Mike Beltran, even if Almabayev intended to power through. Kape was landing punishing blows prior to that, but Almabayev appeared ready to fire back with a takedown. Now that it's all said and done, though, Kape walks away with a victory and a strong case for a future title shot -- if not at least a title eliminator.
Replacement opponent named
Kape is scheduled to compete against Asu Almabayev in a flyweight fight at UFC Vegas 103 on March 1, according to Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Kape was scheduled to fight the UFC flyweight division's No. 1 contender Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 103. But after Royval withdrew (undisclosed) from the event Wednesday, Kape is expected to fight No. 8 contender Asu Almabayev instead. Almabayev is on an 18-fight win streak, with four of the wins in the UFC and all but one of his promotion victories decisions during 2024. At the very least, a win over Almabyev can help Kape climb the UFC's flyweight rankings at least a little bit, even though a decisive win does not assure him a top-three contender status.
Kape was scheduled to fight the UFC flyweight division's No. 1 contender Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 103. But after Royval withdrew (undisclosed) from the event Wednesday, Kape is expected to fight No. 8 contender Asu Almabayev instead. Almabayev is on an 18-fight win streak, with four of the wins in the UFC and all but one of his promotion victories decisions during 2024. At the very least, a win over Almabyev can help Kape climb the UFC's flyweight rankings at least a little bit, even though a decisive win does not assure him a top-three contender status.
Not fighting Royval
Kape will not fight Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 103, according to Nolan King of MMA Junkie.
ANALYSIS
Royval suffered an injury, which has caused him to withdraw from UFC Vegas 103. Kape will need a new opponent to participate in the event or risk having his first 2025 fight being scheduled for a later date.
Royval suffered an injury, which has caused him to withdraw from UFC Vegas 103. Kape will need a new opponent to participate in the event or risk having his first 2025 fight being scheduled for a later date.
Next bout scheduled
Kape will face off against Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 103 on Mar. 1, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Kape, who is coming off a win over Bruno Silva in early December, will look to stay on track against the formidable Brandon Royval in March. The 31-year-old Angolan fighter is 5-3 during his time with the UFC.
Kape, who is coming off a win over Bruno Silva in early December, will look to stay on track against the formidable Brandon Royval in March. The 31-year-old Angolan fighter is 5-3 during his time with the UFC.
Star performance in easy win
Kape defeated Bruno Silva via TKO (punches) at 1:57 of Round 3 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Tampa, Florida.
ANALYSIS
This was the exact type of performance we have been waiting to see from Kape since his February 2021 UFC arrival. He looked like the best flyweight in the world on this day, destroying an overmatched Silva on the feet and doing so in emphatic fashion. He played to the crowd and spent a good chunk of the time in between rounds campaigning UFC President Dana White for a title shot. The good news for Kape is given the lack of depth at the top of the flyweight division, he has a good case. At most, Kape, who has won five of six dating back to August 2021, should need no more than one more big win to earn his shot at UFC gold.
This was the exact type of performance we have been waiting to see from Kape since his February 2021 UFC arrival. He looked like the best flyweight in the world on this day, destroying an overmatched Silva on the feet and doing so in emphatic fashion. He played to the crowd and spent a good chunk of the time in between rounds campaigning UFC President Dana White for a title shot. The good news for Kape is given the lack of depth at the top of the flyweight division, he has a good case. At most, Kape, who has won five of six dating back to August 2021, should need no more than one more big win to earn his shot at UFC gold.