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Manel Kape is known for his fierce competitiveness inside the octagon, but recent events suggest his intensity extends beyond fight night. The flyweight contender, who has experienced a turbulent UFC career with nine fight cancellations since his 2021 debut, is set to face top-ranked Muhammad Mokaev at UFC 304 on July 27. However, their rivalry has already erupted into a physical altercation outside the octagon, according to UFC featherweight prospect Jean Silva.
“Kape hit Mokaev here outside the gym a while ago,” Silva revealed to Ag. Fight. “He elbowed Mokaev in the head on the street, bro. He caught Mokaev at the entrance to the [UFC] P.I. (Performance Institute). He headbutted him and elbowed him in the street. He opened Mokaev’s head a week before his fight. He’s a psychopath.”
This incident highlights Kape's volatile nature, which has been both a strength and a drawback throughout his career. After a rocky start with two consecutive losses, Kape has found his stride, winning his last four fights to bring his overall record to 19-6. His aggressive antics were on full display even before his recent unanimous decision win over Felipe Silva at UFC 293, where he provocatively challenged then-middleweight champion Israel Adesanya during a pre-fight press conference.
Despite his controversial behavior, Kape's confrontations seem to fuel his performances. His upcoming fight against Mokaev, who he reportedly assaulted at the UFC Performance Institute, has garnered significant attention. Silva's account details how the altercation unfolded, painting Kape as the aggressor and Mokaev as the victim.
“Then Mokaev said, ‘I’m going to catch you,’” Silva continued. “Mokaev had said he was going to slap [Kape] in the face. Then [Kape] saw Mokaev and Mokaev wanted to apologize. He said, ‘Apologies won’t be accepted, now you’ll have to do it.’ Then Mokaev took a step back. When I went down and opened the second door, [Kape] arrived and headbutted Mokaev and elbowed him. Mokaev fell to the ground. Then the Russians just watched.”
Kape's bold declaration during Silva’s interview,
“This will be the second time I’m going to hit you, [Mokaev], but calm down,” adds to the drama surrounding their UFC 304 bout.
Meanwhile, Silva, who shared this explosive story, also celebrated his success at UFC 303 with a second-round knockout victory over Charles Jourdain, marking his 10th consecutive win and solidifying his place in the featherweight division.
The altercation between Kape and Mokaev adds a layer of intensity to their upcoming fight, making it one of the most anticipated matchups at UFC 304. The incident not only underscores the personal animosity between the fighters but also sets the stage for a highly charged showdown.