UFC Fighter Crowns Himself Only Behind Billionaire Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s Star List

UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape adds himself just under Cristiano Ronaldo after UFC Vegas 112 for a title shot challenge.

UFC Fighter Crowns Himself Only Behind Billionaire Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s Star List

Manel Kape ranks himself only second after Cristiano Ronaldo after UFC Vegas win (via MMA Mania, People)

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Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the most influential sportspersons in the world due to his longevity, consistency, and global impact in football. His achievements at club level and with the Portuguese national team have cemented his status as an icon in Portugal’s sporting history. Manel Kape has recently ranked himself just below Ronaldo in terms of representing Portugal on the global stage.

The flyweight division saw a significant shift at UFC 323 when Joshua Van was crowned the new champion. Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja after a controversial stoppage caused by Pantoja accidentally breaking his arm during the fight. The injury forced officials to halt the contest before its natural conclusion. The result brought an abrupt end to Pantoja’s reign and reshaped the title picture.

Kape’s most recent appearance came at UFC Vegas 112, where he scored a first-round knockout victory over Brandon Royval. The win was delivered dominantly and showcased Kape’s speed and finishing ability. He entered the bout riding a three-fight winning streak, highlighting his steady rise in the division. The performance further strengthened his position among the flyweight elite.

Following his Vegas win, Kape publicly positioned himself as a potential challenger for the championship. He highlighted his growing visibility and appeal within the UFC landscape when discussing his case. In doing so, he referenced his Portuguese heritage by comparing Ronaldo’s influence. The statement aligned his ambitions with national representation and star power.

In Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo is the biggest thing, the second there is Manel.

Manel Kape via UFC

Kape has become a recognizable name in the UFC due to his willingness to engage in trash talk, and his aggressive fighting style has produced multiple highlight-reel finishes.He was involved in a public back-and-forth with Israel Adesanya during UFC 293, which drew significant attention. Kape has also maintained a rivalry with Muhammad Mokaev that developed ahead of their July 2024 matchup.

Ronaldo has long been known as a follower of mixed martial arts. He has been seen meeting and interacting with high-profile fighters, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and Francis Ngannou. The football legend also regularly watches major events and follows the sport closely. He has also congratulated fighters on social media after significant performances.

The broader stakes now center on how Manel Kape capitalizes on his momentum. With the flyweight division entering a transitional phase, timing and visibility are increasingly important. A new champion and shifting contender rankings create fresh opportunities. Kape’s rise reflects both his personal trajectory and the promotion’s expanding global reach.

Manel Kape undermines the starpower of Japanese UFC fighters

Tatsuro Taira continued his rise in the bantamweight division by making a statement win over Brandon Moreno at UFC 323. The victory marked one of the biggest moments of Taira’s career on a major stage. UFC Qatar on the other hand featured the return of Kyoji Horiguchi, who secured a submission win over Dagestani prospect Tagir Ulanbekov.

Manel Kape
Manel Kape (via Instagram)

Manel Kape previously competed in RIZIN from 2017 to 2019, where he established himself as one of the promotion’s biggest names. He captured the RIZIN bantamweight championship and became known for his finishing ability and personality. Kape’s popularity in Japan grew significantly during that period of his career. He has recently referenced that star power while taking shots at both Taira and Horiguchi.

You want to go to Japan, you want to go to new markets? Okay, I’m the king there. Tatsuro Taira is Japanese but he’s a nobody there, nobody knows him. Horiguchi is not a big star there. I’m a big star there. Just go there and put 100 people in a line and you’ll see who the Japanese fans would choose to take a picture with me, I’m a legend there. I’m a star, people ask me to put my hand on the belly of pregnant women so that they birth a Samurai.

Manel Kape via ESPN MMA

The wider stakes now connect Kape’s history in RIZIN with his current positioning in the UFC. His public callout of Horiguchi carries added significance due to their shared past. Kape suffered a loss to Horiguchi at the RIZIN World Grand Prix in 2017. A potential matchup would tie together unfinished business and broader divisional implications.

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