Manel Kape has found his fire again! After coming up short against Muhammad Mokaev at UFC 304, ‘Starboy’ entered the Octagon at UFC Tampa/UFC on ESPN 63 with a mission. His performance against Bruno Silva wasn’t just a victory; it was a declaration. Kape’s precision and speed painted a masterpiece in the cage, culminating in a third-round finish that left Silva crumpled and the crowd in awe.

Although the fight had its share of controversial moments with Silva being deducted a point in Round 2 because of repeated groin strikes, Kape wouldn’t be denied. Now, in a recent rankings shake-up, ‘Starboy’ is firmly on track to avenge his first loss in the UFC. The man in his crosshairs? UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja!

Manel Kape’s UFC Tampa performance propels his chances of avenging his loss to Alexandre Pantoja  

Manel Kape’s journey has been anything but smooth. From early setbacks to flashes of brilliance, he’s fought to carve his space in the UFC’s flyweight division. His performance against Silva, though, was a turning point. According to a recent update shared on X by Jed I. Goodman, “Updated #UFC FlyW rankings. Manel Kape up 3 spots” and is now ranked no.6 in the division.

‘Starboy’ might be pleased to hear the news. After all, in his post-fight interview, he held nothing back as he went on a fiery tirade against some of the biggest names in the flyweight division! But that wasn’t all, as a former middleweight champion also got in the crossfire.

Taking the mic inside the Octagon, Kape shouted, “F**k Kai Kara France, F**k [Brandon] Moreno. F**k [Israel] Adesanya. I’m the next one against Pantoja. I’m the one who can destroy Pantoja. Dana, put me in a fight against Pantoja. I’m the new PPV star in flyweight.”

In 2021, Pantoja spoiled Kape’s UFC debut with a unanimous decision victory. The UFC flyweight champion’s relentless kicks and footwork outmaneuvered the debutant, leaving Kape playing catch-up until the final bell. For Kape, it wasn’t just a loss—it was a bitter pill that’s lingered for three long years.

Fast forward to 2024, and the tables are turning. Kape’s stock is soaring after his recent triumph, reflected in the latest rankings update. Moving up three spots, he now sits tantalizingly close to a title shot. The reigning champion has faced his share of storms, but his adaptability and experience have made him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division as he recently dismantled Kai Asakura at UFC 310 in just 2 rounds.

It remains to be seen if Kape’s evolution since their bout in 2021 will be enough to de-throne ‘The Cannibal’ because there’s still one hurdle left in his way. Convincing the UFC and Dana White that a title shot should be his next fight!

‘Starboy’ ready to “knock on” Dana White’s door to demand his title shot  

Manel Kape isn’t one to sit quietly in line. Fresh off a highlight-reel finish against Bruno Silva, the Portuguese powerhouse has shifted his focus to something much bigger—a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja. But is the UFC brass ready to grant his wish? Or is Kape destined to fight another contender while waiting for his golden opportunity?

At the UFC Tampa post-fight press conference, Kape stated, “That’s the truth: (I want to fight the champion), I know they want to put me to fight somebody else before my time, but it can’t be.” That wasn’t all, however, as he also took aim at Kai Kara-France for their twice canceled matchup and indicated, “I’m 31 years old. I’m not going to be 31 forever, so it’s my time to get at the title shot.”

But it appears that the UFC head honcho isn’t too keen on the idea of a ‘Starboy’ title shot as Dana White proclaimed at the post-fight press conference, “No, he’s not getting a title shot but we’ll definitely give him what he’s looking for.” Well, the UFC boss may have other ideas, but Kape has his plans to force his hand! How?

‘Starboy’ shared, “Me and Dana are neighbors. We live 10 minutes away from each other. If I don’t get the conversation, I’m going to his home. I’m going to knock on his door.”

As the UFC flyweight division heats up, the next move lies in Dana White’s hands. Kape has made his intentions clear, and his performance in Tampa proved he’s more than ready for the spotlight. But in a sport where timing and politics often dictate opportunities, nothing is guaranteed. So, what’s next for Manel Kape? A title shot? Another contender bout? Or perhaps a knock on Dana White’s door to demand his chance at revenge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!