Ranked UFC flyweights Alex Perez, Manel Kape to clash in March

A ranked UFC flyweight battle is in the works for an upcoming card in Texas.

On March 25, former title challenger Alex Perez has a new opponent and will take on Manel Kape at a UFC Fight Night event in San Antonio. A source with knowledge of the booking confirmed with MMA Junkie that the fight is in the works following a first report from MMA Fighting.

Perez (24-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) recently lost a February booking at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia against former interim title challenger Kai Kara-France., who was forced out due to injury. Perez stepped into the octagon only one time in 2022, suffering a setback against Alexandre Pantoja. Prior to his title challenge against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255, Perez won three in a row, including a pair of first-round stoppages against Jordan Espinosa and Jussier Formiga.

Alex Perez about to lose his place

— マネル・ケイプ Manel Kape (@ManelKape) December 23, 2022

Kape (18-6 MMA, 3-2 UFC) has been on a tear after stumbling in his first two UFC appearances. The rising contender picked up back-to-back first round finishes against Ode Osbourne and Zhalgas Zhumagulov in 2021. In his lone appearance of 2022, Kape won a clear unanimous decision over David Dvorak in December at UFC Fight Night 216.

After his recent win, Kape shot up to the No. 12 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie flyweight rankings, with Perez holding the No. 14 slot.

With the addition, the March 25 lineup includes:

• Alex Perez vs. Manel Kape
• Maycee Barber vs. Andrea Lee
• Daniel Da Silva vs. CJ Vergara
• Albert Duraev vs. Chidi Njokuani