Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 1
Manel Kape Downplays Sean Strickland Feud Days After UFC Vegas 119 Win
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 1

Manel Kape Downplays Sean Strickland Feud Days After UFC Vegas 119 Win

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 1

Summary

  • Days after knocking out Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119, Manel Kape said his social-media clash with Sean Strickland is “nothing” and dismissed the middleweight champion as someone who “loves attention.”
  • The exchange erupted after Strickland insulted Kape’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, and accused Kape of cheating, prompting Kape to fire back that Strickland talks tough online but did not confront Abdelaziz in person.
  • Xtreme Couture links the two fighters despite their different divisions, but Kape said he is not worried about future gym encounters and expects no lasting problem if they cross paths again in Las Vegas.
  • A near-term face-to-face appears unlikely: Kape plans time off after the win, while Strickland has gone to Florida to help Johnny Eblen prepare for a PFL title fight.

Insights

Beyond the insults, what is the real history driving the Strickland-Abdelaziz feud?
Is Manel Kape's challenge to a larger champion genuine confidence or a calculated publicity stunt?
How will a top gym handle a feud between its flyweight star and middleweight champion?