Manel Kape is set to rematch Matheus Nicolau at UFC Vegas 84, aiming to avenge one of his two UFC losses and prove that Nicolau’s controversial split decision win in their first fight was wrong.
Manel Kape is starting 2024 on a high note. He’s looking to avenge one of his two UFC losses.
This Saturday, UFC Vegas 84 is the place to be. Kape, aka “Starboy,” is set for a rematch with Matheus Nicolau. Their first fight ended in a controversial split decision, with media members scoring in favor of Kape. Yet, two out of three judges sided with Nicolau.
Fast forward three years, and Kape is itching for a rematch. He’s eager to settle the score with Nicolau once and for all.
Kape’s been wanting this fight for a while. He’s out for revenge and to prove the last fight’s result was wrong. He’s won his last four fights and is ready to take on Nicolau, who’s in a good position. “It’s good for me,” Kape told MMA Fighting.
Predicting rematches can be tricky. Kape feels the UFC probably didn’t give Nicolau much choice in the matter. Despite Nicolau’s win in their first encounter, Kape doesn’t see him as a threat. He’s not entertaining, a trait the UFC wants from its fighters.
Kape doesn’t believe Nicolau is a UFC favorite. “He’s boring,” Kape said. “He makes boring fights all the time.” He frustrates his opponents, but it’s not a big show. It’s just… boring.
Kape thinks the pressure will get to Nicolau. He lost his last fight and accepted a fight against Kape. “It’s very dangerous for him,” Kape said. “He’s going to be under big pressure.” Kape knows his path and is focused on victory.
Kape knows Nicolau must hate hearing their last fight was a robbery. He’s probably interested in the rematch to settle the score. Kape promises there will be no questions about the winner this time.
“He knows he didn’t win the fight,” Kape said. “In the post-fight interview, you can see clear, he was not convinced he won the fight.” Fighters know when they’ve won or lost. Nicolau wants this rematch. He’s heard plenty that he didn’t win the fight.
Kape gives Nicolau credit for accepting the rematch. He wants to prove he can beat Kape. But Kape is confident that won’t happen. “He accepted because he has his doubts,” Kape said.
If all goes well on Saturday, Kape wants to continue his revenge tour. He’s targeting Alexandre Pantoja, the only other fighter to beat him in the UFC.
Kape and Pantoja met in Kape’s octagon debut in 2021. It wasn’t the fight Kape wanted to make his UFC entrance. There’s no personal grudge, but Kape wants to beat Nicolau and move onto a title shot rematch with Pantoja.
“It’s the perfect combo,” Kape said. “I’m very good in rematches.” He believes he’s better than both Nicolau and Pantoja. He’s confident he can beat Nicolau, who he says “runs away a lot in the cage.” Kape plans to cut his angles and get the knockout. “I’m going to finish this fight. It’s not going to be with the judges, and then it’s Pantoja.”
Kape sees weaknesses in Pantoja’s game. “His last fight was good, but I can do better than him. It’s the perfect combo,” Kape said. He’s learned from his mistakes in the Pantoja fight and has improved since then. He’s been watching Pantoja, expecting a rematch.
Kape thinks Pantoja takes too many shots. “If [his recent] fight was against me, one shot, he was dead.” Kape said. He believes he can beat Pantoja. “I know the way to beat Pantoja. We just have to take the time. I’m not going to think about Pantoja right now, but it’s coming,” Kape said.