Dana White sharply shuts down the Contender’s plea for a title shot

Manel Kape was wildly impressive with his third-round TKO victory over Bruno Silva in Tampa on Saturday night, but not quite good enough to earn him a shot at the UFC flyweight championship.

Kape appealed to UFC president Dana White between the second and third rounds for a title shot as he was in control of the fight heading into the final frame. White could be heard through a hot microphone telling Kape, “You’ve got five more minutes. Take care of business and we’ll have a conversation.”

After Kape scored the TKO victory, he again reiterated his desire to receive a title shot. After the event, it was unclear if White and Kape had spoken.

But during the post-event presser, a reporter asked White if Kape would get the next shot at champion Alexandre Pantoja, and White bluntly replied, “No, he won’t get a title shot. But we’ll definitely give him what he’s looking for .”

Here’s a look at the segment.

It’s unclear what the UFC will give Kape if it gives him “what he’s looking for” if it’s not a title shot.

It sounds like he could be set for a title eliminator and it could be against bitter rival Kai Kara France, the man many suspect will be the next contender to challenge Pantoja.

Kape fought Pantoja in February 2021 in his UFC debut and lost via unanimous decision. On Saturday night, however, he looked masterful. Kape played with Silva on the feet, as you can see in the exchange below, and he was able to shut down his opponent’s attempts to fight.

His striking was smooth and explosive and he had to overcome three low blows from Silva to get the finish. The third fault cost Silva a point. It ended up not mattering as Kape scored in the last round.

Kape landed his own borderline kick to Silva to start the run that led to the end of the fight.

In case you missed it, here’s a look the finish:

Cape entered the match as no. 9, and Silva became no. 12. There is a chance that Cape will remain at no. 9 when the new rankings are released on Wednesday.

Because of that, it looks like Kape might be another win away from getting the title shot he craves.

If Kape isn’t next for Pantoja, a rematch with Kara France, a third match with Brandon Royval, or perhaps some new blood in the form of a title challenge from No. 7-challenger Asu Almabayev.

Here’s a look at all the results from UFC Tampa.

UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley Reresults

• Joaquin Buckley defeats Colby Covington by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 4:42 of round 3
• Cub Swanson defeats Billy Quarantillo by KO (right hand) at 1:36 of Round 3
• Manel Kape defeats Bruno Silva by TKO (strikes) at 1:57 of Round 3
• Dustin Jacoby defeats Vitor Petrino by KO (right hand) at 3:44 of Round 3
• Daniel Marcos defeats Adrian Yanez by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
• Navajo Stirling defeats Tuco Tokkos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Michael Johnson defeats Ottman Azaitar by KO (right hook) at 2:03 of round 2
• Joel Álvarez defeats Drakkar Klose by KO (flying knee) at 2:48 of round 1
• Sean Woodson defeats Fernando Padilla by TKO (strikes) at 4:58 of Round 1
• Felipe Lima defeats Miles Johns by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Miranda Maverick defeats Jamey-Lyn Horth by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Davey Grant defeats Ramon Taveras by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Piera Rodriguez defeats Josefine Knutsson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)