Manel Kape (19-7-0) #9
The 31-year-old Angolan-born Portuguese fighter is known for his explosive striking and finishing ability. As a former Rizin Bantamweight Champion, Kape has faced some of the toughest names in the sport and brings a wealth of experience to the Octagon. His striking precision and power make him a constant threat in the flyweight division.
Strengths:
* Exceptional finishing ability with 11 KO/TKO wins and 5 submissions.
* Explosive counter-striking and diverse striking arsenal.
* High-level experience, having competed against elite opponents in Rizin and the UFC.
Challenges:
* Can be outworked by high-volume fighters.
* Susceptible to grappling-heavy strategies.
Last Five Fights:
* Loss vs. Muhammad Mokaev – Decision (Unanimous) at UFC 304 (Jul 27, 2024)
* Win vs. Felipe dos Santos – Decision (Unanimous) at UFC 293 (Sep 9, 2023)
* Win vs. David Dvorak – Decision (Unanimous) at UFC Fight Night 216 (Dec 17, 2022)
* Win vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov – TKO (Punches) at UFC on ESPN 31 (Dec 4, 2021)
* Win vs. Ode Osbourne – KO (Flying Knee and Punches) at UFC 265 (Aug 7, 2021)
Bruno Silva (14-5-2) #12
The 34-year-old Brazilian fighter has steadily climbed the rankings with a well-rounded skill set and impressive recent performances. Training with the Pitbull Brothers and Fight Ready, Silva has shown growth in both his striking and grappling games, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Strengths:
* Versatile skill set with 6 KO/TKO wins and 4 submissions.
* Strong grappling transitions and submission game.
* Recent momentum, including a TKO win over Cody Durden.
Challenges:
* Struggles against technical strikers and opponents who can dictate the pace.
* Limited success in fights where he cannot implement his grappling.
Last Five Fights:
* Win vs. Cody Durden – TKO (Punches) at UFC on ESPN 60 (Jul 20, 2024)
* Win vs. Tyson Nam – Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at UFC Fight Night 221 (Mar 11, 2023)
* Win vs. Victor Rodriguez – KO (Punches) at UFC Fight Night 188 (May 22, 2021)
* Win vs. J.P. Buys – TKO (Punches) at UFC on ESPN 21 (Mar 20, 2021)
* Loss vs. Tagir Ulanbekov – Decision (Unanimous) at UFC Fight Night 179 (Oct 10, 2020)
Prediction
This fight will likely be a battle of Kape’s striking precision versus Silva’s ability to mix in grappling and disrupt Kape’s rhythm. Silva’s best path to victory involves utilizing clinch work and takedowns, while Kape will aim to control the range and capitalize on Silva’s defensive lapses.
Key Factors:
* Kape’s ability to avoid takedowns and keep the fight standing.
* Silva’s ability to pressure and force Kape into grappling exchanges.
While Silva’s grappling and durability make him a tough opponent, Kape’s explosiveness and striking advantage should be the deciding factor. Expect Kape to keep the fight standing and find a finish in the later rounds.
Pick: Manel Kape by third-round TKO.
