At the UFC Performance Institute (UFC PI), flyweight contender Manel Kape allegedly got into a confrontation with his upcoming opponent, the undefeated prospect Muhammad Mokaev. According to Kape’s training partner, Jean Silva, the altercation turned physical, with Kape headbutting and elbowing Mokaev, leaving him with a bloody injury.
“Manel Kape hit Mokaev here outside the gym a while ago,” Silva revealed to AG Fight. “He elbowed Mokaev in the head…” Mokaev, who interrupted the story, confirmed that this would be the “second time” Kape had attacked him, but urged him to “calm down.”
Silva provided more details, stating that Kape had confronted Mokaev at the entrance of the UFC PI, where the incident occurred. “He headbutted him and elbowed him ”
“He opened Mokaev’s head a week before his fight,” Silva said, describing Kape as a “psychopath.”
The two had reportedly been engaged in some online trash talk, which led to the confrontation. According to Silva, Mokaev had initially wanted to apologize, but Kape refused to accept it, saying, “Apologies won’t be accepted, now you’ll have to do it.” Mokaev then took a step back, and that’s when Kape allegedly carried out the attack.
While the details of the incident are still emerging, this altercation adds an extra layer of intensity to an already highly anticipated flyweight matchup. Mokaev, at just 23 years old, has remained undefeated and is riding a six-fight winning streak inside the Octagon, including a recent win over former title contender Alex Perez.
Kape, on the other hand, is a former RIZIN champion who has finally found his stride in the UFC, winning his last four fights. This potential title eliminator bout between the two rising flyweight stars promises to be a captivating clash, with the added backstory of their personal animosity.
Mokaev vs Kape is scheduled for 2024.07.27 at UFC 304.
