Manel Kape ended 2019 on the highest of highs and he’s looking to ascend even further as a member of the UFC roster.
The 26-year-old Portuguese native capped off a two-year run with Japan’s RIZIN Fighting Federation by taking out Kai Asakura at the promotion’s New Year’s Eve show and capturing a vacant bantamweight title. The victory came by way of knockout in the second round, the third straight fight that Kape (15-4) ended in that manner.
In March, Kape announced that he was leaving RIZIN to sign with the UFC, capitalizing on the most successful stretch of his pro career.