Manel Kape, a key contender in the UFC flyweight division, forecasts a successful title defense for champion Joshua Van against challenger Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327. Kape, who holds a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 7 losses, believes that Taira lacks the necessary aggressive striking to prevail. He emphasized that success against Van requires relentless forward pressure.
Insights on the Upcoming Title Fight
Kape reflected on how Van fared against previous opponents, stating, “To beat Joshua, you have to be very aggressive.” He compared Taira’s style to that of Rei Tsuruya, asserting that Tsuruya exhibited greater aggression in takedown attempts. While Taira may be proficient on the ground, Kape questioned his ability to initiate strong striking from the beginning of the match.
Weight Issues and Missed Opportunities
Kape also discussed a missed opportunity to fight Van on short notice, stemming from Kayla Harrison’s withdrawal from UFC 324 due to neck surgery. Faced with the challenge of making weight in a limited time frame, Kape deemed it unfeasible. “It was impossible to make that fight in two weeks – to make the weight,” he explained. He mentioned that he typically weighs around 158-159 pounds during fights, making a rapid weight cut impossible for him.
Upcoming Fight and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Kape is scheduled to rematch Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119 on June 20. This highly anticipated bout will significantly impact the flyweight division landscape, especially for the winner, who is likely to challenge for the title.
- Manel Kape Record: 22-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC
- Joshua Van Record: 16-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC
- UFC 327 Date: April (exact date not specified)
- UFC Vegas 119 Date: June 20
Kape believes the current flyweight division is the strongest in UFC history. He stated, “I’m the strong character right now in the whole division. It doesn’t matter who has the belt.” With a rematch on the horizon, Kape looks to build momentum and position himself for a title fight soon. The anticipation for UFC 327 is building, but Kape asserts his upcoming fight will draw even more attention.
