“I would give my entire purse…” – Manel Kape opens up about disappointing weight miss ahead of first-ever 2024 UFC fight night

Manel Kape releases a statement on social media about his struggles with his health and his weight cutting difficulties.

“I would give my entire purse…” – Manel Kape opens up about disappointing weight miss ahead of first-ever 2024 UFC fight night

Manel Kape reveals his challenges with his health and his difficulty losing weight (via MMA Fighting)

The highly anticipated UFC Fight Night 234 fight was canceled because Manel Kape failed to make weight. The bout against Matheus Nicolau at Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker is off. Kape’s 3.5-pound weight difference resulted in the fight’s cancellation.

Kape used social media to address the issue of his failed weight miss. According to his explanation, he became unwell two weeks before the fight due to a viral infection. He had to take a five-day break from training due to the sickness and needed antibiotics to get better. This is what else Kape wrote:

My opponent didn’t accept to fight or accept my purse. I would give him my entire purse if he wants to fight. But things are as they are, and i take all the responsibilities.
Manel Kape via Instagram
YouTube video

Manel Kape appreciated the UFC Performance Institute nutritionists. They worked hard to help him reach the required weight. He emphasized the combined effort of everyone involved in the fight preparation process. This canceled fight was a crucial one in the flyweight division.

FS Video

Manel Kape’s willingness to speak up about the circumstances that led to his weight loss brings a human touch to the world of professional fighting. The incident serves as a reminder of the physical toll and unexpected hurdles that fighters face as they strive to compete at the top level.

Fight fans react to Manel Kape’s reasoning for missing weight

The aftermath of Manel Kape’s weight miss for UFC Fight Night 234 has sparked a wave of emotions from fans across social media platforms. Kape released a post on Instagram, blaming sickness and antibiotics for his weight difficulties. In response to the announcement, MMA fans showed a mix of interest, skepticism, and criticism.

Fight fans react to Manel Kape's response to his missed weight
Fight fans react to Manel Kape’s response to his missed weight (via MMA FIghting)

The social media network Twitter became a battlefield for opposing viewpoints. Some fans expressed sympathy and empathy for Kape’s health issues, while others advocated for a more direct admission of responsibility. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:

https://twitter.com/ButtersMMA/status/1745946884722610318

Aside from the immediate reactions to Kape’s statement, the incident revived debates about bigger concerns in MMA. These include weight-cutting techniques, fighter responsibility, and the complexity of maintaining health in a high-risk sport.

In case you missed it: