Manel Kape Expects Title Shot With Finish Over Matheus Nicolau at UFC Vegas 84

Manel Kape expects to leap the flyweight queue with a stoppage on Saturday.

Currently ranked No. 6 at flyweight, Kape (19-6) is slated to take on No. 5-ranked Matheus Nicolau (19-3) in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 234 this weekend. While the flyweight title picture is in a bit of a logjam, Kape believes a stoppage win over Nicolau should leave no doubt regarding his status as the No. 1 contender.

“My goal is to be a champion. I believe that beating Matheus Nicolau -- I’ll get the title shot. This is my goal. It’s obvious… Of course it’s going to be dependent on how I win, and that’s going to dictate everything. I’m looking for the knockout or to finish him in the first round; definitely,” Kape said Wednesday during media day.

Kape will look to avenge a split decision loss dating back to 2021 when he faces Nicolau. Kape has since racked up four consecutive wins, with a decision victory over Felipe dos Santos in his last outing at UFC 293 in September. On the other hand, Nicolau had a six-fight winning streak snapped against Brandon Royval in April 2023.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Pantoja (26-5) is fresh off his first successful title defense in a trilogy clash against Brandon Royval at UFC 296 last month. Despite the champ's performance against Moreno and Royval, Kape fancies his chances against Pantoja in a clash.

“It was a little bit sloppy, but he did it for the win,” said Kape. “Right now, he’s got the belt so he’s going to play dirty to win, and not [do] a performance because he’s not going to expose himself, but good for him. I’m here to perform. I’m going to be me all the time: Aggressive. Hopefully. I’m going to face him this year.”

UFC Fight Night 234 will be headlined by a light heavyweight meeting between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker.