Midnight Mania! UFC Signs Ex-Rizin Champ Manel Kape
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every quarantined night!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Non-Coronavirus MMA news has been scarce in the previous week or two, as the pandemic quickly shuts down the entire world. Despite Dana White’s fabled relentlessness, good news has been even harder to find — all that’s left is cancellations and new obstacles to the few bouts still booked.
Tonight, we have an exception, as Combate reports that former Rizin Bantamweight champion Manel Kape (15-4) has signed a multi-fight deal with UFC. The 26-year-old Angolan athlete currently rides a three-fight win streak made up of three knockouts. In the most recent, Kape upset Kai Asakura to capture the vacant Rizin Bantamweight title.
Kape also holds victories over UFC veterans Ian McCall and Takeya Mizugaki.
This is exciting for a number of reasons beyond the simple idea of yet another talented Bantamweight thrown into the mix. First and foremost, Kape is a finisher; all but one of his 15 professional victories came via stoppage. Additionally, Kape has a history at Flyweight as well, meaning he has the option to immediately become a top contender in the 125-pound ranks, which are still wide open as the division slowly recovers.
Whenever the UFC engine revs back up to full speed with new matches, Kape’s debut will be an exciting one.
Insomnia
Daniel Cormier takes the high road:
DC on Jon Jones: I don’t think you should celebrate or dance on someone’s grave in their darkest moments. #HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/6TF3d3InNd
— Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) March 30, 2020
Islam Makhachev isn’t ready to give up just yet.
“Some people are saying we can leave Russia with using some kind of connections, if any of you have connections in America, help us land there too”
Islam Makhachev on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/9DPUhG20CI
— ➡️ (@MMARusContext) March 30, 2020
Conor McGregor is currently the voice of reason, which feels like a strange situation.
More than double our deaths in one day. It’s on now, men and women.
Stay vigilant. Stay distant. Stay active. Keep your immune system healthy and strong in every possible way you can!
Shame on the wreckless.
RIP those we have lost to date and God speed to us all!
Éire Abú!!!— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 26, 2020
This is top-notch comedy when you remember that Jorge Masvidal has publicly admitted that he rarely runs his own social media. Manager vs. manager trash talk!
Shut up Ali. Writing tweets for your client. The only thing I’m cutting off is your boys head. Wouldn’t take it on 7 weeks notice he’s not taking it on 2 weeks notice. Clout chasing just like the clout chasing fragile dude.
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) March 30, 2020
Darren Till gets whacked with one of his own signature combos:
Look, I demand Khabib vs. Tony like everyone else, BUT I’d also like to see this fight sooner than later!
The offer still stands @ufc. I’ll go full Teddy Roosevelt & beat the breaks off @TWooodley live from The @WhiteHouse lawn! Save sports and make it free on @ESPN for the people! Im in such a giving mood I’ll even arrange a tour of the oval office for Tyrone, since Obama never did.
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) March 30, 2020
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Just a pair of big ol’ right hands!
Gilbert Burns’ improvement over the last few years has been seriously impressive and a lot of fun to watch.
Another two-for-one!
Random Land
Straight up terrifying!
Midnight Music: “Is it any wonder, I reject you first?” The lyrics to “Fame” are surprisingly dark. I’d like to walk out to it someday.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
https://www.mmamania.com/2020/3/31/21200568/midnight-mania-former-rizin-champ-manel-kape-ufc-espn