Manel Kape vows to ‘steal’ Alexandre Pantoja’s belt after controversial UFC Vegas 103 KO

‘Starboy’ needed to make a statement on March 1 and he did just that with his biggest win inside the Octagon to date.

Though there are options on the table like Kai Kara-France or a returning Deiveson Figueiredo, Alexandre Pantoja needs new and exciting challengers.

One contender looking to join the title picture was Manel Kape who was scheduled to face Brandon Royval until the former title challenger withdrew from the bout.

Following his win over Bruno Silva last December, the 31-year-old gained some serious momentum and he has a history with the flyweight champion.

To really make a case for a title shot, Kape needed to beat Asu Almabayev and though it was a controversial finish, his performance was very impressive.

READ MORE: ‘Mouthpiece gate!’… UFC fighters and fans go ballistic as UFC Vegas 103 star rallies to earn wild KO finish

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCManel Kape calls out Alexandre Pantoja after beating Asu AlmabayevManel Kape has had some frustrating moments during his time in the UFC but when the exciting striker is on-form, he’s incredibly entertaining to watch.

That was the case at UFC Vegas 103 as he put on an impressive showing against Asu Almabayev to halt his opponent’s win streak.

Almabayev did have some success on the feet but his biggest issue was being unable to smother Kape and take him down where he could implement his style.

‘Starboy’ kept it standing where his unpredictable movement and fast-twitch speed allowed him to pick his opponent off for the most part.

Controversy came into the equation via an eye poke that was caused by an open-handed strike that wasn’t picked up by the referee, Mike Beltran.

The fight ended in the third round with Almabayev seemingly having an issue seeing out of the same eye with the stoppage itself also being debated.

In his post-fight interview with Jon Anik, Kape sent a message to both Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France, telling whoever is the flyweight champion that he’s coming to “steal” the belt.

“Pay attention Pantoja and Kai Kara-France… Be ready, because I’m gonna steal that belt like I steal candy from my daughter.”

READ MORE: Renato Moicano called out by UFC Vegas 103 winner after razor-close split decisionManel Kape has a great story with both Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-FranceWith his win over Asu Almabayev, Manel Kape suddenly finds himself in a great position to challenge for the flyweight title in the near future.

It still appears that Kai Kara-France will be next for Alexandre Pantoja but ‘Starboy’ would make for an interesting matchup for either man.

Having lost to Pantoja on his UFC debut, Kape will be out for revenge in a high stakes rematch if the Brazilian retains the belt once again.

As for Kara-France, his feud with Kape is well documented at this point and their eventual meeting is sure to be one of the most heated confrontations in recent times.