Manel Kape to make UFC debut against Rogerio Bontorin at UFC 252

Former Rizin bantamweight champion Manel Kape will look to instantly blast his way into title contention as he faces Top 10 opposition on his octagon debut.

Kape (15-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will take on No. 9-ranked flyweight contender Rogerio Bontorin at UFC 252, which is scheduled to take place on August 15 at a venue to be confirmed.

Kape recently confirmed the fight on his Facebook page after an initial report from Combate earlier this month.

After going 9-1 on the regional scene in Portugal, Kape built his name during a nine-fight stint with Japanese promotion Rizin FF. His tenure in Japan saw him go 6-3 with the promotion, with all six victories coming by way of stoppage. He arrives in the UFC’s flyweight division riding a three-fight win streak, with his most recent performance featuring an eye-catching second-round knockout of Kai Asakura as he captured the Rizin FF bantamweight title.

Now a UFC fighter, Kape will take on Bontorin (16-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC), who is looking to bounce back to form after suffering the second loss of his professional career. A graduate of the inaugural season of Dana White’s Contender Series, Bontorin picked up UFC victories over Magomed Bibulatov and Raulian Paiva before dropping a unanimous decision to former title challenger Ray Borg at UFC on ESPN+ 25 in February.

UFC 252 takes place Saturday, August 15 at a venue to be confirmed. The card airs on ESPN+ pay per view following prelims on ESPN+ and ESPN.

The latest UFC 252 lineup now includes:

• Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier
• Livinha Souza vs. Ashley Yoder
• Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba
• Felice Herrig vs. Virna Jandiroba
• Junior Dos Santos vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
• Rogerio Bontorin vs. Manel Kape
• Zelim Imadaev vs. Laureano Staropoli