UFC Main Event Recap – Kape Vs Almabayev: Kape’s Striking Overwhelms In TKO Win

Manel Kape just made a loud statement to the UFC’s flyweight division. In an electrifying performance at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, Kape vs Almabayev turned into a one-sided showcase of dominance, as Kape overwhelmed Asu Almabayev and secured a third-round TKO victory. The fight ended at 2:16 of the final round after Almabayev, clearly overwhelmed, tried to escape Kape’s relentless attacks. This was a major milestone for Kape, as Almabayev hadn’t lost a fight since 2017, riding a 17-fight win streak before running into the ‘Starboy.’

Kape’s Post-Fight Message: Give Me My Shot

After his impressive win, Kape didn’t hold back in his post-fight speech.

“Guys, who’s next against me? Are they gonna deny me a title shot again?” Kape shouted. “[UFC], you know I’m the best. I just stopped a guy with a 17-fight win streak. Everybody was scared to fight him because he’s a wrestler. You thought I was scared? I can wrestle, I can strike—I can do it all. I’m the best. I’m the Starboy.”

It’s clear that Kape is tired of being overlooked. With six wins in his last seven fights, he believes he’s earned his spot in a title fight. The energy in his voice, the passion in his words—it all pointed to a fighter who feels like he’s knocking on the door of greatness.

Breaking Down Kape’s Dominant Performance

From the opening bell, Kape looked sharp, fast, and in complete control. He didn’t just win—he dictated the entire fight. According to UFC Stats, Kape outstruck Almabayev 63-40, and the fight felt even more one-sided than those numbers suggest. He took control of the cage, constantly pressuring Almabayev and making him fight off his back foot.

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Almabayev’s game plan was clear—he wanted to get Kape to the ground. But Kape’s takedown defense was rock solid, stuffing attempts and making Almabayev pay every time he got close. By the second round, Almabayev’s confidence seemed to be fading. He was absorbing damage and couldn’t find a way to stop Kape’s forward pressure.

The end came in the third round when Kape trapped Almabayev against the cage. A flurry of punches and knees to the body left Almabayev in survival mode, desperately trying to get away. But Kape kept pouring it on until the referee had no choice but to step in.

Source: Kape dominates UFC main event in third-round TKO of Almabayev

Is It Finally Kape’s Time for a Title Shot

Now the big question: Does Kape finally get his shot at UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja?

There’s history between these two. Kape made his UFC debut against Pantoja back in 2021, losing a decision. But that was a different version of Kape. Since then, he’s leveled up, improving his wrestling, sharpening his striking, and proving he can handle the best the division has to offer.

Pantoja, on the other hand, has been dominant as well. Sitting at 29-5, he’s defended his title three times and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Still, Kape believes he’s next in line.

“I’ve done everything they’ve asked of me,” Kape said. “I beat the guy nobody wanted to fight. What else do I need to do? Give me my title shot.”

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If the UFC is looking for a fresh, exciting challenger for Pantoja, Kape makes the most sense. But if they make him wait, a matchup against another top contender like Kai Kara-France could be next.

UFC Main Event Recap – Kape vs Almabayev: Kape’s Striking Overwhelms in TKO Win

What’s Next for Almabayev

This loss was a tough one for Almabayev. Coming into the fight, he was seen as a dangerous grappler with a bright future, and he still is. But this fight exposed some holes in his striking and his ability to handle pressure. At 21-3, he’s still one of the best flyweights in the world, but now he has to regroup, make adjustments, and come back stronger.

For Almabayev, a bounce-back fight against another ranked opponent makes sense. A win could quickly put him back in the mix, but he’ll need to show he can handle fighters who can shut down his wrestling.

Kape’s Star is Rising

Manel Kape has been calling himself ‘Starboy’ for a while now, and performances like this prove he’s living up to the name. He didn’t just win—he put on a show, finished a fighter who hadn’t lost in eight years, and demanded his place in the title conversation.

With four finishes in his last six fights, Kape has the killer instinct that fans love and champions need. Whether the UFC grants him a title shot next or makes him take one more fight, one thing is clear: Manel Kape is a problem for anyone in the flyweight division. And he’s just getting started.