'Starboy' had to make a statement on 1 March and he did exactly with his biggest victory in the Octagon so far.
Although there are options on the table such as Kai Kara-France or a recurring Deiveson Figueiredo, Alexandre Pantoja needs new and exciting challengers.
A competition that participated in the title photo was Manel Kape who would be planned against Brandon Royval until the former title -published from the competition.
After his victory over Bruno Silva last December, the 31-year-old received a serious momentum and has a history with the flight weight champion.
To really make a plea for a title shot, Kape had to beat ASU Almabayev and although it was a controversial finish, his performance was very impressive.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Manel Kape calls Alexandre Pantoja after beating Asu Almabayev
Manel Kape has had a number of frustrating moments during his time in the UFC, but when the exciting striker is on the shape, he is incredibly entertaining to see.
That was the case at UFC Vegas 103 when he set up an impressive show against ASU Almabayev to stop the profit of his opponent.
Almabayev had some success at the feet, but his biggest problem was unable to nip Kape and bring him down where he could implement his style.
'Starboy' held the position where his unpredictable movement and fast speed enabled him to largely choose his opponent.
Controverse came in the comparison via an eye choke caused by a strike with open hands that was not picked up by the referee, Mike Beltran.
The fight ended in the third round with Almabayev who apparently had a problem that saw from the same eye, where the interruption itself was also discussed.
In his interview after the fight with Jon Anik, Kape sent a message to both Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France and told the one who is the flight weight champion that he “steals” the belt.
“Note Pantoja and Kai Kara-France … Be ready, because I'm going to steal that belt as if I steal my daughter's candy.”
Manel Kape has a great story with both Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France
With his victory over Asu Almabayev, Manel Kape is suddenly in a great position to challenge the flight weight title in the near future.
It still seems that Kai Kara-France will be the next one for Alexandre Pantoja, but 'Starboy' would provide an interesting matchup for both men.
Kape is lost to Pantoja on his UFC debut, KAPE will take revenge in a rematch with high bet when the Brazilian De Riem retains.
As far as Kara-France is concerned, his feud with KAPE is currently well documented and their final meeting is certainly one of the most heated confrontations in recent times.
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