Manel Kape Secures Controversial TKO Victory Against Asu Almabayev at UFC Vegas 103

Kape's dominant performance, marred by allegations of eye pokes, raises questions about officiating and his title shot prospects.

Manel Kape defeated Asu Almabayev via third-round TKO, ending Almabayev's 17-fight win streak and solidifying his position as a top UFC flyweight contender.
The fight was overshadowed by controversy, as fans and analysts criticized referee Mike Beltran for missing multiple alleged eye pokes by Kape, which some argue affected Almabayev's performance.
Kape's victory showcased his striking skills, as he outlanded Almabayev 63-40 in total strikes and maintained control throughout the fight, earning a 'Performance of the Night' bonus.
In his post-fight statements, Kape called for a title shot against champion Alexandre Pantoja, highlighting his recent victories and claiming to be the best flyweight in the division.
While some fans and professionals praised Kape's performance, others expressed frustration over the officiating, renewing debates about the role of replay officials in addressing fouls.