Manel Kape explains weight miss, promises to become flyweight champ
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HOUSTON – Manel Kape beat Ode Osbourne with a first-round knockout Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 265 in Houston.
Take a look inside the fight with Kape, who snapped a two-fight skid for his first UFC win – but was ineligible for a post-fight bonus because he missed weight.
Manel Kape vs. Ode Osbourne
Result: Manel Kape def. Ode Osbourne via knockout (knee) – Round 1, 4:44 Updated records: Kape (16-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Osbourne (9-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) Key stat: Kape has 15 of his 16 pro wins by finish.
Kape on the fight's key moment
Aug 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Manel Kape (red gloves) fights Ode Osbourne (blue gloves) during UFC 265 at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
"I feel like I'm one of the smartest fighters in the world. I can see things that not everyone can see inside the octagon. I made this plan so perfect and everything went very well. I'm orthodox, but I can fight southpaw. I knew when I changed to orthodox, he would not see me – I would be like a ghost in front of him. I knew I'd change, and he'd move to try to attack me."
Kape on missing weight
Aug 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Manel Kape (red gloves) reacts to the fight against Ode Osbourne (blue gloves) during UFC 265 at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
"I want to say I'm sorry to the UFC and my opponent for missing weight. This has never happened in my career. I'm super professional, and this won't happen anymore. Yes, I was very hungry (cutting weight). I walk at 159 (pounds and cut to 125). I ate some foods I shouldn't eat. This kept my weight (up). I tried to make the weight, but I felt if I made the weight I would not be healthy."
Kape on what he wants next
"People should say my name. I should be in the top five. This is why the UFC brought me here. I'm a former world champion, and I should be in my place." To hear more from Kape, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above. [vertical-gallery id=663343] [vertical-gallery id=663036] [vertical-gallery id=663034]
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