Manel Kape views his upcoming UFC main event as a title eliminator but predicts he’ll have to wait in line before a title fight actually happens.
At UFC Fight Night 253, Kape (20-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) will battle Brandon Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC). The winner will align themselves nicely for a title shot. However, Kape thinks champion Alexandre Pantoja will likely compete against another fighter first.
“Probably he’s going to fight Kai Kara-France, I do believe,” Kape recently told MMA Junkie Radio. “I do believe. I do believe Kai Kara-France has the skills to match up with Pantoja. Pantoja is a very hard opponent. But I do believe Kai Kara-France has some potential. He has a bigger chance than many other options. Brandon Royval, I believe 100 percent not going to fight until the third round. Maybe I’m fighting Kai Kara-France or Pantoja.”