SYDNEY – From throwing water bottles at a press conference to winning a Fight of the Night battle, and then needing to issue an apology for homophobic language during his post-fight interview, Manel Kape had a tumultuous fight week.
At the UFC 293 pre-fight press conference, Kape (19-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) didn’t give his opponent Felipe dos Santos much attention, and instead focused on the man he was originally slated to face at the event, Kai Kara-France. After withdrawing due to concussion symptoms, Kara-France showed up to the press conference in support of his City Kickboxing teammates on stage. Kape launched verbal attacks and a water bottle in his direction.
On fight night, Kape found himself in a war against the UFC newcomer dos Santos, who gave Kape a few scares over 15 minutes. Kape won by unanimous decision, and the exciting battle later earned the Fight of the Night award.
