Manel “Prodígio” Kape (15-4) is the former Rizin FF Bantamweight champion and made waves in the Japanese MMA scene with his exciting style inside the cage and out. His antics include eating a cardboard cutout of his opponent, starting fights early at the weigh-ins, and even giving his opponent a smooch on the cheek as they stared down. The 27-year-old doubles down on the wild side in his fight game. He combines an array of creative and explosive strikes with a disregard for his own power bar, on the offensive from the jump.
Manel Kape was born in Luanda, Angola in 1993. He first found traditional martial arts as he grew up, eventually evolving into a passion for MMA. “Prodigio” found early success with his skills and remembers telling teachers in school that he didn’t need to study because in a few years, they’ll see him on the big screen making millions. Never short on confidence, Kape went right to the professional ranks making his debut in 2012.
Manel jumped out to a 9-1 record while reigning over the Portuguese MMA scene. A strong start to his career earned him a contract with Japan’s top promotion, RIZIN. He reeled off two knockout victories and quickly found himself opposite the best competition the Bantamweight division had to offer. Manel finally met some true adversity when he lost two straight to champion Kyoji Horiguchi and contender Kai Asakura. He responded by getting STRICT with his diet and dropping 10 lbs. to Flyweight.
The big career move paid off as he avenged his loss to Asakura a year later with a round 2 KO. The stoppage over one of Japan’s best earned him his chance in the octagon. Dana White must see the second coming of Conor McGregor in Kape’s character. In no time, they had him backing up the title bout between Moreno and champ Figueiredo before any UFC action. No injuries brought Manel into the cage back in November 2020, now he has eyes on his debut at UFC Vegas 18. He faces a huge challenge in #5 Alexandre Pantoja (22-5) and they make up a momentous Flyweight matchup going down on Saturday, 2/6, at 5 PM ET.
Manel “Prodígio” Kape | 15-4 | 5’6 125 lbs. | Age 27 | Reach 68” | Switch Stance | Fighting Out of Porto, Portugal
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