Pantoja's teammate says Kape could be the Brazilian's next opponent. Photo: Super Lutas Montage
A turnaround could happen in the next fight of the Ultimate flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg), Alexandre pantoja. After his victory over Kai Asakura No. UFC 310, the Brazilian's fourth belt defense leaned towards a confrontation against Kai Kara France, number four in the category ranking.
Pantoja's next title defense may have been prematurely revealed to the public during transmission do ufc vegas 103, right after the victory of Manel kape about Asu Almabayev. During the Brazilian's interview, the logo 'UFC 316' appeared on the screen and was quickly taken down, but not before fans noticed. Although the graphic has since been removed, it appears the flyweight champion's return is being considered for the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
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But with nothing confirmed so far, some fans have questioned whether Manel kape could have emerged as the next challenger after he asked for a rematch with the champion. Adriano Moraes, who is Pantoja's training partner at American Top Team in Florida, has given his opinion on what could happen with his training partner's future. The 35-year-old fighter believes that although Pantoja was being lined up for a fight with Kara-France at some point, he thinks the UFC may have changed its mind after Manel kape put in a dominant performance last time out, while the New Zealander has only fought once since June 2023. Moraes thinks 'Starboy' could get his wish, unless the organisation decides to look elsewhere.
“He’s already fought both of them, I think he has a win against both of those guys. I think the UFC has already shown that he would defend his belt against Kai Kara France, but that fight was canceled. So after that fight was canceled, Manel kape “He had a very good performance. He crushed the undefeated fighter, so maybe the UFC will change its mind about the next challenger or maybe not. Maybe they will sign a different fighter from a different organization, we will see, there are many opportunities in the air, so let's see what happens,” Moraes said in an interview with the North American portal 'Bloody Elbow'.
Adriano Moraes not only believes that the UFC may be leaning towards Manel kape, as he prefers that option for his teammate. Kape was defeated by Pantoja in his UFC debut in 2021 after leaving Japanese promotion RIZIN. After suffering his second consecutive loss to Matheus Nicolau by split decision, his only other setback was the controversial confrontation with Muhammad Mokayev last year.
Pantoja and Kape have already faced each other in 2021. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Moraes believes that 'Starboy' not only makes sense as the next title challenger based on his style, but he also thinks Kape deserved the opportunity for rematch.
“For me personally, I prefer Kape to fight Pantoja because after he lost to Pantoja, he has evolved a lot in his career, in the UFC, and his run to the first challenger has been incredible. He is a finisher, I think that is what everyone wants to see and I think for the UFC, it will be a very good idea to put him against Pantoja again,” he concluded.
Currently, Adriano Moraes is looking for his own flyweight gold. The Brazilian is trying to claim the vacant title at ONE 172 in Japan, where he will face Yuya Wakamatsu at the Saitama Super Arena.
