Manel Kape explains why he passed on waiting for title shot for Kyoji Horiguchi rematch
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- Manel Kape chose not to wait for a UFC flyweight title shot against Joshua Van, opting instead to stay active by booking another fight due to the UFC's prior promise to Tatsuro Taira for the next title challenge.
- Despite three consecutive knockout wins positioning him for a title shot, Kape accepted the UFC's apology and compensation for the delay caused by Van's injury, emphasizing his preference to keep fighting rather than waiting.
- Kape is set to face Kyoji Horiguchi in a UFC Vegas 119 main event rematch, reflecting on their first 2017 fight where he was less prepared and expressing confidence in his growth since then.
- He declined an opportunity to train with Horiguchi’s team at American Top Team, believing he could defeat Horiguchi with his own training approach and anticipating their eventual rematch.
- Kape remains focused on eventually earning the UFC flyweight title shot, trusting the UFC to honor their promises while prioritizing competition and consistent activity over waiting for a guaranteed title fight.
