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After Manel Kape’s X-Rated Stunt Against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 Presser, Kai Kara-France Discloses He’ll Settle the Score Inside the Cage With Rival

Published 09/08/2023, 10:01 AM EDT

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via Imago

The UFC 293 presser was a typical high-voltage affair where things escalated quickly. Despite not fighting on the Sydney fight card, Kai Kara-France seized headlines when his verbal spat with Manel Kape reached a tipping point. Further, the latter dragged Israel Adesanya into the mix, and the incensed moments between them became the night’s highlight. While the Kiwi fighter is not impressed with what he saw on the stage, he foresees a future fight with Kape to settle their differences.

The UFC initially booked ‘Don’t Blink’ and Kape to exchange blows at UFC 293, but a concussion to Kara-France in training robbed fans of an exciting encounter. However, a late pullout didn’t sit well with Kape, who didn’t shy away from expressing his resentment. Meanwhile, all Kara-France could see in the presser were “insecurities”.

Kai Kara-France speaks his mind about Manel Kape

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Speaking to reporters on UFC 293 Q&A, the 30-year-old pointed out that Kape was ‘unstable’. In addition, the surging flyweight contender advised him to keep his head straight and focus on Felipe dos Santos instead of him.

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Kara-France said, “Make some noise if you think Manel Kape is a little b*itch. There you go. You know, thinking about that, all I see is insecurities. Obviously, he is a bit unstable. He should be worrying about his opponent that’s in front of him. Don’t worry about me.” Following this, the City Kickboxing star mentioned the pair were not fighting but hinted at a future clash. The grudge match would finally see whether Kape would replicate his unhinged words in the Octagon.

“We are not fighting, you know. That’s probably the worst you can do, Overlook your opponent. Focus on what’s in front of you. I feel like that fight will happen eventually. Me and Manel. But Manel, I’m just here to support my teammates,” the 24-11-1 record holder declared.

His City Kickboxing teammate, ‘Stylebender’, jumped into the fray when Kape began his verbal onslaught on Kai-France. It makes sense for Kape, who is on a three-fight win streak, to be agitated. He would have inched closer to a title shot if he could bag a win against the #5-ranked Kara-France.

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Mape’s unadulterated and unfiltered onset on Kara-France

“You have the courage to come here on stage. Yes, stand up, motherf**er,” Kape roared as he bashed Kai-France. When the middleweight champion tried to step in, Kape also took Adesanya for a ride and announced, “Shut your mouth. Your f**king po*n cartoon addiction.”

via Imago

Therefore, tensions are already running high between Kape and Kara-France’s camp. Fans and pundits alike would have to wait a while for the conclusion of their rivalry, but a future fight is definitely on the cards. What do you make of these statements by Kai Kara-France? Let us know in the comments below.

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Watch this Story: Sean Strickland Gets Exposed in Israel Adesanya’s Rant as UFC Champ Reveals First-Ever Interaction With Rival Ahead of UFC 293

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Written by:

Rohit Lohan

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Rohit Lohan is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports, with a passion for the sport that has spanned over a decade. His fascination with MMA stems from the thrill of knockouts, and he strives to bring that same level of excitement to his writing. Rohit's love for gripping stories is reflected in his articles, where he masterfully weaves together the latest news with compelling narratives.
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Edited by:

Abhishek Das