Manel Kape Bio
Manuel Pedro Gomes, known professionally as Manel Kape, is an Angolan-born Portuguese mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since beginning his professional career in 2012, Kape has fought for several organizations including Cage Fighters, Knock Out Championship, and Rizin Fighting Federation. He is a former Rizin Bantamweight Champion and Knock Out Championship Bantamweight Champion, currently residing and training in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Early Life and Background
Manel Kape was born on November 14, 1993, in Luanda, Angola. He began competing in boxing matches at a young age, starting before his first mixed martial arts fight at 14. This early exposure to combat sports laid the foundation for his future career in MMA. Details about his family and formal education are not publicly documented.
Path to MMA
Kape made his professional MMA debut at 17 with Cage Fighters, quickly establishing himself with multiple first-round finishes. His early career included notable wins by TKO and submission, demonstrating versatility and finishing ability. Transitioning through regional promotions, he faced his first professional loss in Knock Out Championship but rebounded with a series of victories that earned him the KOC Bantamweight title. His success in regional circuits paved the way for opportunities on larger international stages.
Manel Kape Career
Early Career (2012–2017)
Starting in 2012, Kape fought primarily in Portuguese and European regional promotions. He amassed a strong record with quick finishes, including a first-round TKO in his debut. His early career was marked by a mix of knockouts and submissions, showcasing a well-rounded skill set. Despite a setback with a submission loss in Knock Out Championship, he captured the KOC Bantamweight title with an armbar victory, signaling his rising profile in the sport.
Rizin Fighting Federation Breakthrough (2018–2020)
After a period of canceled bouts, Kape signed with Rizin Fighting Federation and entered their bantamweight Grand Prix. He made an impactful debut with a 71-second knockout via a left leg head kick. His tournament run included a win over former champion Ian McCall by doctor stoppage and a competitive fight against Kyoji Horiguchi, where he lost by submission in the semifinals. Kape later captured the vacant Rizin Bantamweight Championship by defeating Kai Asakura via second-round TKO, a victory that earned him a Fighter of the Year nomination in Asian MMA awards.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2020–Present)
In March 2020, Kape signed a four-fight contract with the UFC, becoming the first Portuguese-Angolan fighter in the promotion. His UFC debut was delayed due to opponent injuries and COVID-19 related issues. Kape’s first UFC fights included close decision losses to Alexandre Pantoja and Matheus Nicolau. He secured his first UFC win with a first-round knockout over Ode’ Osbourne, followed by a technical knockout victory against Zhalgas Zhumagulov. Kape continued to demonstrate striking power and resilience, winning by unanimous decision against David Dvořák and Felipe dos Santos. His performances earned him Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. Kape’s recent fights include a loss to Muhammad Mokaev and a technical knockout win over Bruno Gustavo da Silva. He is scheduled to fight Brandon Royval in December 2025 after previous cancellations due to injuries.
Driving Style and Strengths
Manel Kape is known for his aggressive striking and finishing ability, with a significant number of wins by knockout. His style combines powerful leg kicks and precise punches, often overwhelming opponents early. Kape’s ability to adapt and pressure opponents has been a hallmark of his fights, supported by training with AKA Thailand, which has honed his technical and strategic skills.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kape’s career milestones include winning the Rizin Bantamweight Championship and becoming the Knock Out Championship Bantamweight Champion. His UFC tenure has been highlighted by multiple knockout victories and earning performance bonuses. Noteworthy moments include his rapid knockout debut in Rizin and his dramatic TKO win over Kai Asakura for the Rizin title, which elevated his international profile.
Manel Kape Career Wins
Manel Kape has accumulated 22 professional wins out of 29 fights, with 14 victories by knockout, 5 by decision, and 2 by submission. His record reflects a fighter capable of finishing fights decisively across multiple organizations and weight classes.
Rizin Fighting Federation Highlights
Kape’s tenure in Rizin Fighting Federation was marked by key victories in the bantamweight Grand Prix and capturing the Rizin Bantamweight Championship. His first win in Rizin was a swift knockout, and his championship victory over Kai Asakura stands as a career-defining moment. His fights in Rizin showcased his striking prowess and competitive spirit against top-tier opponents.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Kape has secured several notable wins, including first-round knockouts and technical knockouts. His UFC victories over Ode’ Osbourne, Zhalgas Zhumagulov, and Bruno Gustavo da Silva highlight his effectiveness in the flyweight division. Kape has also earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors, underscoring his exciting fighting style.
Manel Kape Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details regarding Manel Kape’s family background and lineage are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Manel Kape currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Information about his marital status or children is not publicly documented.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Manel Kape remains an active competitor in the UFC flyweight division. He is scheduled for a rescheduled bout against Brandon Royval in December after previous cancellations due to injuries. Kape’s recent performances have demonstrated his continued threat in the division, combining striking power with experience. His team at AKA Thailand continues to support his development, aiming to position him for higher rankings and potential title contention. The 2025 season is critical for Kape to solidify his standing among the top flyweights in the UFC.