Final Combating Championship (UFC) Flyweight contenders Manel Kape vs. Muhammad Mokaev will sq. off this weekend (Sat., July 27, 2024) at UFC 304 inside Co-Op Reside in Manchester, England.
And it appears they already received issues going early (watch it).
One thing unusual is brewing right here. This top-notch Flyweight conflict was initially on the principle card — that’s why we’re speaking about it on this publish — however has since been dropped all the way in which right down to the early “Prelims.” Given its standing as a doable title eliminator, why the sudden shift in bout place? Battle followers on-line are questioning if it’s the results of one other Manel Kape weight subject, whereas the extra optimistic amongst us have theorized that the athletes requested the bout happen earlier on the cardboard to keep away from preventing at an ungodly time of day. Every time it takes place, it’s an important combat that has severe stakes at 125- kilos.
Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the betting odds and strategic keys for every athlete:
Kape Vs. Mokaev Betting Odds
Manel Kape victory: +135
Manel Kape by way of TKO/KO/DQ: TBD
Manel Kape by way of submission: TBD
Manel Kape by way of determination: TBD
Muhammad Mokaev victory: -155
Muhammad Mokaev by way of TKO/KO/DQ: TBD
Muhammad Mokaev by way of submission: TBD
Muhammad Mokaev by way of determination: TBD
Odds by way of DraftKings Sportsbook
How Kape Wins
Kape is without doubt one of the most athletic males in a really quick division. He places collectively his punches superbly and may be very troublesome to take down. Traditionally, low-volume has been his best subject, however he’s stepped up the exercise in his present win streak.
It is a very clear-cut striker vs. wrestler match up. Kape is the way more expert and harmful fighter on the toes, whereas Mokaev has constantly gained fights by grounding his opponents and controlling their makes an attempt to scramble. Fortuitously for Kape, harm wins fights, and Mokaev has confirmed unimpressive at truly touchdown floor strikes when on high.
Meaning even when Kape is taken down, he can nonetheless win the combat by staying energetic. Usually, breaking down Mokaev needs to be the objective. I’d prefer to see attritional harm from Kape aimed on the legs and physique. As well as, punishing takedown makes an attempt with knees or breaking the clinch with a mixture can be a extremely good approach to punctuate exchanges and make it clear that Kape is the person touchdown the extra devastating blows.
How Mokaev Wins
An especially completed (23-0) beginner fighter, Kape is a freestyle wrestler who has introduced explosive photographs and glorious management into the Octagon. His kickboxing is growing, however actually, it’s been the takedowns which have earned him victory time and time once more. He’s now going through the heaviest hitter of his whole profession, so it’s hardly time to change up the sport plan!
The important thing right here is getting ahold of Kape, who depends on explosive actions to disclaim takedowns and escape rapidly when taken down. It’s not going to be straightforward to get a agency grip on “Starboy” or totally set up high place.
Due to this fact, Mokaev has to make these moments depend. Ideally, which means locking in positions just like the leg triangle or again mount, the place it’s troublesome to be so athletic. If Mokaev is shedding place, he has to you’ll want to at the least touchdown one thing on the break to attain some factors.
All in all, a constant wrestling assault is Mokaev’s greatest — solely? — guess right here.
Kape vs. Mokaev Prediction
I’m backing the striker right here.
Mokaev is extraordinarily gifted for his age and has a ton of upside, however he’s nonetheless uncomfortable on his toes. Kape can match — if not exceed — his athleticism, and he’s a a lot slicker striker with higher timing and energy total. If the 2 commerce, Kape will harm his opponent.
Moreover, this can be a Flyweight combat. It’s very uncommon for elite Flyweights to simply get held down for lengthy parts of time. Kape doesn’t have that subject traditionally, and there have been moments of alternative for earlier Mokaev opponents like Tim Elliott and Alex Perez.
I’m guessing Kape capitalizes.
Prediction: Manel Kape victory (+135)
Do not forget that MMAmania.com will ship LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow protection of your entire UFC 304 combat card proper right here, beginning with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches on-line, that are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET), earlier than the pay-per-view (PPV) important card begin time at 10 p.m. ET (additionally on ESPN+).
To take a look at the most recent and best UFC 304: “Edwards vs. Belal 2” information and notes you’ll want to hit up our complete occasion archive proper right here.