Manel Kape dominates Almabayev with third-round TKO victory | UFC
Manel Kape made a compelling case for a UFC flyweight title shot with a dominant third-round TKO victory over Asu Almabayev in the UFC Fight Night 253 main event in Las Vegas.
UFC betting sites had the former Rizin champion as a heavy $1.50 favorite, and he justified the odds with superior striking and defensive grappling, overwhelming Almabayev with speed and power before referee Mike Beltran stepped in at 2:16 of Round 3.”
Despite Almabayev’s attempts to implement his grappling, Kape controlled the pace and landed the more significant strikes.
The fight, however, was not without controversy.
Kape appeared to rake Almabayev’s eye in the second round, an incident the referee and review officials deemed legal.
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Another apparent eye poke in the third round went uncalled, despite Almabayev signalling for a timeout.
Kape capitalised on the moment, continuing his attack and forcing Almabayev to retreat before the stoppage.
“They’re gonna deny again my title shot?” Kape said in his post-fight interview.
“UFC, you know I’m the best. I just stopped a guy with a 17-fight win streak. Everybody was scared to fight him because he’s a wrestler. You guys thought I was scared to fight him because he’s a wrestler. I can wrestle and stand with anyone in this division. I’m the best. I’m the Starboy.”
Manel Kape vs Asu Almabayev UFC Fight Night Highlights
Following the victory, Kape brought his young daughter into the octagon, saying, “Daddy win,” as he celebrated another statement performance.
Many fighters and analysts immediately called for Kape to receive a title shot, including former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, who tweeted, “Manel Kape fights for the belt next!! Great performance! #UFCVegas103.”
Welterweight contender Belal Muhammad echoed the sentiment, writing, “Give that man a title shot.”
Almabayev, who suffered his first loss in 18 fights, may have grievances over the uncalled fouls, but Kape’s dominance was undeniable.
According to UFC statistics, Kape outlanded Almabayev 63-40 in total strikes, consistently pushing forward and dictating the action.
In the co-main event, Cody Brundage secured a dramatic first-round TKO win as the $2.13 underdog with the top bookmakers over Julian Marquez, surviving early adversity before landing a powerful uppercut and finishing with ground-and-pound.
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Elsewhere on the card, Nasrat Haqparast edged out Esteban Ribovics via split decision, Hyder Amil remained undefeated with a hard-fought win over William Gomis, and Sam Patterson handed Danny Barlow his first professional loss with a first-round knockout.
With Kape now riding a six-fight win streak, the UFC has a clear decision to make regarding the next flyweight title challenger.
The UFC now shifts its focus to UFC 313, where Alex Pereira will defend his light heavyweight belt for the fourth time against Magomed Ankalaev. Dabble currently has the odds locked at $1.88 for both fighters.
