Manel Kape's Fourth Straight Win And The Three Words That Told The UFC Everything About The Flyweight Title

Manel Kape just put on a show in Las Vegas, folks! He not only snagged another huge KO win on Saturday, but he's also making it crystal clear to the UFC what he expects next. This man thinks he’s done everything required, and honestly, after that performance at UFC Fight Night 279, who’s gonna argue with him? Kape is looking for a title shot, and he sounds like he’s not taking no for an answer.

That 2017 Loss? Avenged.

Let's talk about Saturday night at the Meta APEX. Kape, with a record of 23-7 in MMA and 8-3 in the UFC, stepped into the main event and *delivered*. He was facing Kyoji Horiguchi, who sports a 36-6 MMA and 9-2 UFC record. This wasn't just any fight for Kape, either. He had a 2017 loss to Horiguchi looming, and he came back and put the Japanese fighter away in the third round. Talk about sweet revenge! This isn't a one-off, either. Kape is now riding a four-fight winning streak, and if you zoom out a bit, he's a ridiculous 8-1 in his last nine bouts. That's a resume that screams "contender," and he knows it. He's not just winning, he's finishing guys in spectacular fashion, as he puts it. You can feel the confidence radiating from him.

"It Was Enough." Mic Drop.

At the post-fight press conference for UFC Fight Night 279, Kape didn't mince words when asked if he felt he'd secured a title shot. His response was short, punchy, and absolutely loaded with self-belief: "It was enough." Can you imagine that swagger? He even went further, saying, "Even last time when I fought Brandon Royval, it was enough. Everything I do in the cage was enough b

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ecause I win spectacular, I finish the guys." That's the kind of fighter we love to see, right? Someone who backs up his talk with action, someone who truly believes in his grind. He's earned a bit of a breather now, too, saying he needs "to take some time off, take care of business, chill out with family and see my friends. I just want to rest a little bit." It sounds like he's fine with waiting, but make no mistake, he knows what's coming after that rest.

Flyweight Chaos: What Happens Next?

So, what does this mean for the flyweight title picture? It's getting spicy. Current champion Joshua Van is likely heading for a rematch with Alexandre Pantoja sometime this year. Pantoja, who got an arm injury just seconds into his December title fight with Van, is now healthy, and everyone expects him to get that shot. Kape seems content to let that play out, but his message is clear: when they're done, he's next. He's not just winning, he's evolving. Kape reflected on his past self, saying, "When I was young, I was wild. I was fearless. I was very wild. This time, I had to slow down and go for smart. Time gives you wisdom, always. Time gives you wisdom. That time (against Horiguchi), I was too young." That kind of growth, combined with the power and finishing ability, makes him a terrifying prospect. The man has a legitimate claim, and he's not afraid to voice it. He's done his part, taking care of business, including avenging that tough loss. Now, it's up to the UFC to decide, but you better believe Manel Kape will be watching that Pantoja-Van rematch very closely. The flyweight division just got a whole lot more exciting, and we can't wait to see what happens when Kape gets his shot.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.