The thrilling UFC on ESPN 43 event this Saturday night suffered a devastating blow as the main-card opener between flyweight contenders Alex Perez and Manel Kape has been canceled at the last minute. Although the card witnessed some incredible bouts, the last minute cancellation surely was a major blow to the card. The matchup, which was going to kick-start the thrilling night of fights, fell through due to a medical issue backstage with Perez, leaving fans disappointed and frustrated.

Ranked 6th in the UFC flyweight rankings, Perez released an official statement clarifying the reason for his withdrawal from the bout. He also cleared the air that it wasn’t the weight-cut that took a toll on his body, and in fact, he cited this weight-cut as the easiest of his career. However, despite his apology, fans were quick to lambast Perez for pulling out at the last minute, citing his history of considerable cancelled bouts in his 12-year MMA career.

UFC fans go ruthless on Alex Perez

In his official statement, Alex Perez cited that he suffered a seizure while warming up for his fight with Manel Kape backstage, leading to his sudden withdrawal from the event. He clarified that this medical emergency had nothing to do with his weight-cut and requested privacy following the mishap.

Despite his explanation, the fight fans didn’t buy his word and instead labeled him as a ‘coward’ owing to his recent cancelled bouts.

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Check out how the fans reacted to it:

Perez’s record on Tapology shows that this recent withdrawal from the Manel Kape fight is his 12th cancelled bout in the UFC.

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Apart from the UFC fans, Manel Kape, Perez’s scheduled opponent for the night, also echoed what the fans said as he reflected upon the fight cancellation.

Manel Kape is disgusted over Perez’s reason for withdrawal

Kape took to Twitter to express his thoughts on Alex Perez’s withdrawal, citing medical issues. Like the fans, the Angolan fighter couldn’t accept Perez’s reasoning for pulling out of the fight at the last minute. In a taunting note, Manel Kape ridiculed the Californian fighter over his ‘DNA’ and for lacking the ‘courage’ to face him.

Kape even replied to Perez’s tweet of clarification, continuing to criticize the 31-year-old fighter.

The 29-year-old Angolan fighter wrote, “The cause was that you were scared, and when you are scared, your whole body trembles, your reactions are rigid, and you lose control of your body. You are not a man because a man dies like a man.”

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Manel Kape’s words have been biting and harsh, reflecting the disappointment and anger that fans felt over Perez’s withdrawal from the fight.