Manel Kape scored a big victory in the main event of UFC Vegas 103, then called for the next shot at the undisputed UFC flyweight title.
Kape looked a cut above short-notice replacement opponent Asu Almabayev – who was promoted up the card after Brandon Royval was ruled out of the fight – as he scored a third-round TKO finish to claim his sixth win from his last seven fights.
Immediately after his victory, Kape declared himself as the man to challenge for the undisputed flyweight title held by Alexandre Pantoja.
“Who is next? Who is next against me?” Kape said during his post-fight interview with Jon Anik.
“They’re going to deny again my title shot? Hey Hunter (Campbell, UFC CBO) you know I’m the best!
“I just stopped a guy with a 17 win streak. Everybody was scared to fight him. You guys really thought that I’m scared to fight him because he’s a wrestler?
“I can wrestle, I can stand with anyone in this division. I’m the best. I’m the star boy.”
Kape then turned his attention to the top men in the division.
“Pay attention Pantoja, Kai Kara-France (whoever) is next to fight against me, be ready. Because I’m going to steal that belt like I stole candy for my daughter.”
In the co-main event, Cody Brundage weathered some adversity before eventually finishing Julian Marquez just 15 seconds from the end of the opening round of a wild slugfest.
Also on the main card, Nasrat Haqparast edged a split-decision verdict after a thrilling three-round war with Esteban Ribovics in a bout that saw both men earn $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus cheques.
And the main card kicked off with a superb first-round knockout for England’s own Sam Patterson, who needed just three minutes, 10 seconds to finish Danny Barlow.
UFC Vegas 103: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Manel Kape def. Asu Almabayev via TKO (punches/retirement) – Round 3, 2:16
- Cody Brundage def. Julian Marquez via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:45
- Nasrat Haqparast def. Esteban Ribovics via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Hyder Amil def. William Gomis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Sam Patterson def. Danny Barlow via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:10
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Mario Pinto def. Austin Lane via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 0:39
- Chepe Mariscal def. Ricardo Ramos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Danny Silva def. Lucas Almeida via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- JJ Aldrich def. Andrea Lee via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Ramazan Temirov def. Charles Johnson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
