Manel Kape and Israel Adesanya
What happened between Manel Kape and Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 press conference?
In the lead-up to UFC 293’s main event clash between middleweight champion Israel Adesanyas and surprise contender Sean Strickland, fans expected fireworks. However, an unexpected twist occurred when Manel Kape, not on the fight card but eager to make his presence felt, called out fellow Kiwi and City Kickboxing teammate Kai Kara-France.
Kara-France had withdrawn from his scheduled bout at UFC 293 due to a concussion, with Felipe Dos Santos stepping in as his replacement. Kape seized the opportunity to publicly criticize Kara-France, inciting Adesanya to intervene. Surprisingly, Strickland, who had been a source of tension earlier in the week, stepped in as a mediator between the two.
Kape didn’t mince words, stating, “Unfortunately Kai Kara-France is a bh,” and berating him for withdrawing due to a concussion. Adesanya swiftly defended his teammate, receiving support from the Australian crowd.
Amidst the escalating tension, Israel Adesanya fired back at Manel Kape, demanding respect and exchanging heated words, warning, “I will fing bury you.” Strickland, typically known for his provocative antics, surprisingly stepped in to defuse the situation, reminding Adesanya, “Calm the f down. I’m supposed to be the a**ehole here, Izzy, that’s not your job.”
Strickland’s track record of unconventional behavior, including sparring with a fan and street altercations, has garnered attention. Still, the focus remains on the upcoming bouts, such as the heavyweight clash between Tai Tuivasa and Alexander Volkov, along with Tyson Pedro’s fight against Anton Turkalj. Additionally, Kiwi fighter Justin Tafa faces Austen Lane in a heavyweight bout, while Carlos Ulberg, Jack Jenkins, and Jamie Mullarkey represent the Australian and New Zealand-born fighters on the card.
In an intense lead-up to UFC 293, Alexander Volkanovski is warning Sean Strickland that his trash-talking antics won’t spare him from the wrath of reigning middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The anticipated title showdown is set for September 9 in a sold-out Qudos Bank Arena in Australia.
Volkanovski, a close friend and teammate of Adesanya, anticipates a fiery pre-fight buildup as Strickland is known for his provocative remarks. However, he firmly believes that Strickland’s verbal jabs will come back to haunt him once he steps inside the Octagon with ‘The Last Stylebender.’
“Obviously, Sean is gonna talk, Sean is gonna try and get under his skin,” Volkanovski commented on his YouTube channel. “So that’s gonna make it fun. But I feel Izzy is going to really, really put it on him. Especially with the talk that’s gonna happen. I think Sean Strickland is gonna definitely pay for some of the things he’s gonna say. Stylistically, I feel like he’s definitely gonna get hurt.”
While Strickland is known for his striking, he may attempt to showcase his grappling skills against Adesanya, a move that could backfire, according to the champion. Adesanya, who has never submitted an opponent in his career, believes he’s evolving in his grappling abilities and is confident in his ability to finish fights. Whether it’s a submission or his lethal striking, fans can expect fireworks when these two warriors collide at UFC 293.
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