Rib Injury Forced Manel Kape Out of UFC on ESPN 55 Headliner

According to Manel Kape, a rib injury forced him to withdraw from a proposed flyweight clash against Matheus Nicolau in the UFC on ESPN 55 main event.

“This is the first time I’ve ever [pulled] out of a fight,” Kape wrote on X. “I broke the cartilage of my rib, and I couldn’t move for a week. On Thursday last week, my surgery went extremely well. [Bear] in mind that all my fights that got canceled in the past [were] due to my opponents.

“Where I came from we used to fight for free. I’m not bragging about [it]. I’m just being honest, so don’t ever think I’m like some of you guys.”

This is the first time I’ve ever pull out of a fight, I broke the cartilage of my rib and I couldn’t move for a week. On Thursday last week my surgery went extremely well. Bare in mind that all my fights that got cancelled in the past was due to my opponents.

Where I came from…

— マネル・ケイプ موسى Manel Kape (@ManelKape) April 3, 2024

Kape and Nicolau were initially slated to meet on Jan. 13, but “Starboy” missed weight by 3.5 pounds and the bout was canceled. A former Rizin Fighting Federation bantamweight champion, Kape has been victorious in his last four Octagon appearances — including a three-round verdict against Felipe dos Santos at UFC 293 this past September.

Alex Perez will now step in to face Nicolau in the new UFC on ESPN 55 headliner on April 27.