Former RIZIN Champion Manel Kape To Reportedly Make UFC Debut In August

A top star with RIZIN will be looking to have a memorable summer. Combate has reported that Manel Kape will make his UFC debut at UFC 252 in August. It is being reported that the former Bantamweight Champion will be competing in the flyweight division against Rogerio Bontorin.

Kape (15-4) started his professional career in 2012. He bounced around the MMA world, fighting for Cage Fighting, Knock Out Championship, and Invictus. The 26-year-old has nine wins via knockout. Joining RIZIN in 2017, he beat Erson Yamamoto in his debut. “Prodigio” is 4-1 in his last five fights, his last three bouts propelling him to become RIZIN Bantamweight Champion. Back on New Year’s Eve at RIZIN 20, Kape beat Kai Asakura via TKO to become champion.

An opponent Kape originally had an eye on was former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt.

Bontorin (16-2, 1NC) is the fresher opponent, competing in February. He lost to Ray Borg via unanimous decision, ending a four-fight win streak. The 28-year-old is currently ranked ninth in the UFC’s flyweight rankings.

UFC 252 on August 15 does not have a set location yet, but Las Vegas is a possibility. The main event will be Stipe Miocic defending his UFC Heavyweight Title against Daniel Cormier in a trilogy bout.