Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight contenders Manel Kape vs. Muhammad Mokaev will square off this weekend (Sat., July 27, 2024) at UFC 304 inside Co-Op Live in Manchester, England.
And it seems they already got things going early (watch it).
Something strange is brewing here. This top-notch Flyweight clash was originally on the main card — that’s why we’re talking about it in this post — but has since been dropped all the way down to the early “Prelims.” Given its status as a possible title eliminator, why the sudden shift in bout position? Fight fans online are wondering if it’s the result of another Manel Kape weight issue, whereas the more optimistic amongst us have theorized that the athletes requested the bout take place earlier on the card to avoid fighting at an ungodly time of day. Whenever it takes place, it’s a great fight that has serious stakes at 125- pounds.
Now, we shall delve into the betting odds and strategic keys for every athlete, examining them closely.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Kape Vs. Mokaev Betting Odds
- Manel Kape victory: +135
- The winner of the fight between Manel Kape is yet to be determined, but it will be decided by TKO, KO, or DQ.
- Manel Kape via submission: TBD
- Manel Kape via decision: TBD
- Muhammad Mokaev victory: -155
- TBD: Muhammad Mokaev wins by TKO/KO/DQ.
- Muhammad Mokaev via submission: TBD
- Muhammad Mokaev via decision: TBD
- Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images How Kape Wins
Kape stands out as an exceptionally athletic individual in a highly competitive division known for its speed. His punching combinations are executed flawlessly, making it extremely challenging for his opponents to bring him down. In the past, his main drawback has been his lack of output, but lately, he has significantly increased his activity level during his recent winning streak.
This matchup is a classic clash between a striker and a wrestler. Kape possesses superior skills and poses a greater threat when it comes to stand-up fighting. On the other hand, Mokaev has consistently emerged victorious by taking his opponents down and effectively controlling their attempts to escape. However, Kape can take solace in the fact that inflicting damage is what ultimately decides fights. Unfortunately for Mokaev, he has shown little impressiveness in landing effective ground strikes while in a dominant position.
Even if Kape is unable to take down Mokaev, he can secure victory by remaining actively engaged in the fight. The primary objective should be to wear down Mokaev. It would be ideal for Kape to inflict gradual damage on Mokaev’s legs and body. Moreover, countering takedown attempts with well-placed knees or breaking the clinch with a combination would effectively emphasize Kape’s dominance and showcase his more powerful strikes.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images How Mokaev Wins
Kape, a highly successful amateur fighter with an unbeaten record of 23-0, excels as a freestyle wrestler in the Octagon. His explosive strikes and remarkable control have been his strengths. Although his kickboxing skills are still a work in progress, it is his takedowns that have consistently led him to victory. Now, he is about to face the most powerful striker he has ever encountered, making it crucial for him to stick to his game plan without making any drastic changes.
The main challenge lies in catching Kape, as he heavily relies on explosive movements to prevent takedowns and swiftly escape when brought down. It will be quite difficult to gain complete control over “Starboy” or establish a dominant position.
Hence, Mokaev must seize those moments to his advantage. Ideally, he should strive to secure positions such as the leg triangle or back mount, which require less athleticism to maintain. If Mokaev finds himself losing position, he should make sure to land a strike or execute a move during the transition to earn some points.
Overall, Mokaev’s most reliable strategy in this situation is to rely on a consistent wrestling attack.
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Kape vs. Mokaev Prediction
I’m backing the striker here.
Despite his young age, Mokaev displays exceptional talent and possesses great potential. However, he still lacks confidence in his striking abilities. On the other hand, Kape not only equals but surpasses Mokaev’s athleticism. Moreover, Kape’s striking skills are more polished, with superior timing and overall power. If these two were to exchange blows, Kape would undoubtedly inflict damage upon his opponent.
In addition, it’s important to note that this is a Flyweight bout. It is highly uncommon for top-notch Flyweights to be continuously pinned down for extended periods. Kape has never had a problem with this in the past, and we have witnessed instances where previous opponents of Mokaev, such as Tim Elliott and Alex Perez, have found openings and chances to capitalize.
I’m guessing Kape capitalizes.
Prediction: Manel Kape victory (+135)
LIVE! Watch UFC 304 PPV On ESPN+ Here!
’McGREGOR-FREE MAIN EVENT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sat., June 29, 2024, without its biggest box office draw, Conor McGregor, after the Irish sports star delayed the “greatest comeback of all-time” because he broke his pinky toe (seriously). Coming the rescue once again is Light Heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, agreeing to rematch former division champion, Jiri Prochazka, in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event. In UFC 303’s co-headliner, top-ranked Featherweight contender, Brian Ortega, will attempt to halt the rise of red-hot surging 145-pound prospect, Diego Lopes. UFC 303’s PPV main card (see it here) will also feature Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze and Ian Garry vs. Michael “Venom” Page and so much more. It’s must-watch action! UFC 303 start time scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (Prelims) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV).
Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!
- STREAM UFC 304
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 304 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET), before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 304: “Edwards vs. Belal 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
