Manel Kape knocked out Kyoji Horiguchi in the third round of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 279 main event in Las Vegas, avenging a 2017 loss and extending his winning streak to four fights — a run he believes has already earned him a flyweight title shot.
Kape spoke at the post-fight press conference after the finish at Meta APEX.
It was enough. Even last time when I fought Brandon Royval, it was enough. Everything I do in the cage was enough because I win spectacular — I finish the guys. But let them fight. I need to take some time off, take care of business, chill out with family and see my friends. I just want to rest a little bit.
He also reflected on how much he has grown since the first Horiguchi fight.
When I was young, I was wild. I was fearless. I was very wild. This time, I had to slow down and go for smart. Time gives you wisdom, always. That time, I was too young.
Kape is now 8-1 in his last nine UFC bouts. Alexandre Pantoja is expected to receive a title rematch against champion Joshua Van sometime this year after recovering from the arm injury he suffered in their December title fight, which may affect the timing of Kape’s opportunity.