Manel Kape lashes out at UFC 304 decision, alleges multiple illegal moves by Muhammad Mokaev for loss
Manel Kape was left feeling frustrated after suffering a decision defeat against Muhammad Mokaev at UFC 304 on 27 July. The flyweight contender took to X following his loss to share his thoughts on the result and claimed that his opponent had used several underhand tactics during the fight.
Their bout opened the preliminary card and having been involved in several scuffles in the build-up to the fight, tensions were high. However, Round 1 of the clash saw neither man willing to take too many risks, in what was an anti-climactic opening stanza.
The second and third rounds saw more action on both the ground and the feet, with 'The Punisher' being awarded a unanimous decision. However, there was controversy in Round 2 after Mokaev grabbed his opponent's shorts during a scramble.
Referee Mike Beltran decided to take the position away from the 23-year-old but did not deduct a point for the foul. Many felt that he should have done, which would have seen the fight being scored a draw on the judges' scorecards.
'Starboy' took to X following the event and posted this:
"I definitely won this fight, that pull of the shorts deserved to be removed a the point, two fingers in the eyes, 3 kicks in balls. Anyway, it was not the best performance. I apologize for those who expected the best from me but only Allah knows. Alkamdulillah for everything."
See Manel Kape's post below:
Muhammad Mokaev addresses pre-fight sucker punch of Manel Kape at hotel
Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape have had beef stemming back to the incident at the UFC Performance Institute where 'Starboy' elbowed Mokaev in the head after exchanging words.
The incident at the UFC PI took place at the beginning of March, but the tension between the pair was at an all-time high during UFC 304 fight week. There were allegations made against 'The Punisher' that he sucker punched Kape at the fighter hotel after initially asking to take a picture with him.
Following their clash at UFC 304, Mokaev addressed the incident, saying this:
"I couldn't get close to him in the hotel, so I told him, 'Let's take a picture.' Once he came, I dropped him. I had to do it, because I'm not Alex Perez, I'm not [like] other guys who can be bullied. I'm come from a rough backgroud."
Watch Mokaev discuss punching Manel Kape below: