Manel Kape expects title shot vs. 'sloppy' Alexandre Pantoja with finish at UFC Fight Night 234

LAS VEGAS – Despite having several names campaigning for a title shot, Manel Kape is confident he’ll be the No. 1 contender.

The UFC flyweight believes he’s next for UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja if all goes well for him in his next UFC bout. Kape (19-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) returns to the cage Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 234 in a rematch against Matheus Nicolau.

Kape is determined to secure his title shot this Saturday.

“My goal is to be a champion,” Kape told reporters at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 234 media day. “I believe that beating Matheus Nicolau, I’ll get the title shot. This is my goal. It’s obvious.”

Kape, who lost to Nicolau (19-4-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) in a split decision back in 2021, plans to not let the fight go the distance this time around. He believes that’s a key factor in him getting a shot at UFC gold.

“Of course it’s going to be dependent on how I win, and that’s going to dictate everything,” Kape said. “I’m looking for the knockout or to finish him in the first round, definitely.”

In terms of a potential showdown against Pantoja, Kape likes his chances. He wasn’t too impressed with what the champion displayed in his first title defense against Brandon Royval at UFC 296 in December.

“It was a little bit sloppy, but he did it for the win,” Kape said. “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 performance. I’m going to be me all the time: Aggressive. Hopefully. I’m going to face him this year.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 234.