Manel Kape Declares Himself Next UFC Flyweight Title Contender

Kape's Knockout Win Over Royval Puts Him in Line for Title Shot, But Taira Looms as Potential Challenger

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:59pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a UFC Flyweight fight, with the combatants' forms fractured and abstracted into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes.The UFC Flyweight division's title picture remains unsettled, with Manel Kape and Tatsuro Taira both making strong cases to be the next challenger.Las Vegas Today

UFC fighter Manel Kape is making a bold claim that he deserves the next title shot in the Flyweight division after his knockout win over Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 112. Kape argues that his victory over Royval, who had previously defeated No. 3-ranked Tatsuro Taira, makes him the clear next contender. However, Taira is also vying for the title shot, leading to a debate over who should get the opportunity.

Why it matters

The UFC Flyweight division has been in flux following Joshua Van's title win over Alexandre Pantoja. With the title picture unsettled, Kape and Taira are both making strong cases to be the next challenger, which could set up an exciting matchup for the belt. Kape's brash attitude and finishing ability make him a compelling personality, but Taira's ranking and recent performances also give him a strong claim. This debate highlights the competitive nature of the Flyweight division and the difficult decisions the UFC faces in determining the next title contender.

The details

Kape earned his title shot claim by knocking out Royval in the main event at UFC Vegas 112 this past December. This was Kape's third straight knockout win in the UFC, cementing his status as one of the division's most exciting finishers. Kape argues that since Royval had previously defeated Taira, his own win over Royval makes him the clear next contender. However, Taira is also 3-0 in the UFC and holds the No. 3 ranking in the division, giving him a strong case as well.

  • On December 13, 2025, Kape defeated Royval via knockout in the main event at UFC Vegas 112.
  • Royval had previously defeated Taira, prior to Kape's win over Royval.

The players

Manel Kape

A UFC Flyweight fighter who is on a three-fight knockout streak and believes he deserves the next title shot in the division.

Brandon Royval

A UFC Flyweight fighter who was defeated by Kape via knockout at UFC Vegas 112.

Tatsuro Taira

A UFC Flyweight fighter ranked No. 3 in the division, who is also vying for the next title shot.

Joshua Van

The current UFC Flyweight champion, who won the title by defeating Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323.

Dana White

The UFC President, who has hinted at a potential title fight in Japan involving Tatsuro Taira.

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What they’re saying

“If someone thinks Taira should be next, they don't know anything about math. Royval beat Taira, and I beat Royval in one round. Two plus two equals four, not six. Do the math.”

— Manel Kape, UFC Fighter

“Nobody in Japan knows Tatsuro Taira. They think his name is a cookie. But everyone knows Manel Kape. I'm the one who brings excitement, finishes fights, and keeps the crowd on their feet. I'm not boring.”

— Manel Kape, UFC Fighter

What’s next

The UFC will need to determine whether Kape or Taira will get the next Flyweight title shot, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Kape's confident and brash attitude has made him a polarizing figure, but his recent performances have backed up his claims. The UFC will have a difficult decision to make in choosing between the exciting finisher Kape and the highly ranked Taira as the next title challenger, with the division's future hanging in the balance.