UFC Flyweight Contender Kape Misses Out on Title Shot After Cutting Weight

Kape was preparing to fight for the flyweight title before being told the shot went to Tatsuro Taira instead.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Longtime UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape started cutting weight in an attempt to secure a title fight against newly crowned champion Joshua Van. However, Kape was informed by the UFC that the next title shot had already been promised to Tatsuro Taira after his recent win over Brandon Moreno. Despite already beginning his weight cut, Kape will not be fighting for the belt on the upcoming UFC 326 card.

Why it matters

The UFC flyweight division has been in flux since Alexandre Pantoja lost the title to Van in a controversial fight. With several top contenders vying for the next shot, the promotion's decision to give Taira the title fight over the hard-charging Kape has stirred up some controversy among fans.

The details

Kape revealed that he had been pushing for the title fight against Van and had already started cutting weight by Monday, getting down to 144 lbs. However, the UFC informed him that they had already promised the title shot to Taira following his win over Moreno. Despite Kape's efforts, the promotion decided not to move forward with the fight on short notice.

  • Kape began cutting weight on Monday in preparation for a title fight on March 7 at UFC 326.
  • In December 2025, Joshua Van defeated longtime champion Alexandre Pantoja to win the UFC flyweight title.

The players

Manel Kape

A longtime UFC flyweight contender who was preparing to fight for the title before being told the shot went to someone else.

Joshua Van

The current UFC flyweight champion, having defeated Alexandre Pantoja in December 2025.

Tatsuro Taira

A rising Japanese flyweight contender who was awarded the next title shot after defeating Brandon Moreno.

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What they’re saying

“I am not fighting 'my son' Joshua Van. My team and I have been pushing for this fight since my last one. However, according to the UFC, they had already promised the title shot to Tatsuro Taira after he defeated Brandon (Moreno).”

— Manel Kape, UFC Flyweight Contender (X)

“Even knowing that, we kept pushing to make this fight happen on March 7. UFC told us there was a strong possibility. I was already cutting weight by Monday I was down to 144lbs.”

— Manel Kape, UFC Flyweight Contender (X)

“The UFC gave me the opportunity to sit out and wait for the title fight winner. Knowing they honor their promises, I could definitely wait, that's what most fighters would do. But I'm not most fighters. And I'm not a coward who sits on his ranking position. I want one more fight in May or June, because that's going to be the biggest contract renewal in this division. You can call me the Floyd Mayweather of flyweights.”

— Manel Kape, UFC Flyweight Contender (X)

What’s next

It is unclear when the UFC plans to book the title fight between champion Joshua Van and challenger Tatsuro Taira. Kape has said he will take another fight in the meantime, likely in May or June.

The takeaway

The UFC's decision to give Tatsuro Taira the next flyweight title shot over the hard-charging Manel Kape has stirred up some controversy, as Kape had been actively campaigning and preparing for the opportunity. This highlights the unpredictable nature of title contention in the UFC, where even fighters who appear to be next in line can miss out on their chance.