Manu Kape Cracks UFC Flyweight Top Five After Comeback Win

Manu Kape has broken into the UFC flyweight top five after his third-round knockout of Bruno Silva at UFC 327 earlier this month.

The Angolan-born fighter, now training at American Top Team, climbed from sixth to fifth in ESPN's divisional rankings following the comeback finish. Kape absorbed heavy punishment in the opening round before turning the fight around with a counter hook that dropped Silva cold in the third.

What Kape's ranking jump means for flyweight title picture

The move sets Kape up for a potential title eliminator against either Kai Kara-France or Steve Erceg, both of whom sit directly above him in the updated rankings. Champion Alexandre Pantoja is expected to defend against the winner of a top-contender bout later this year, though no matchup has been confirmed.

ESPN's panel shifted several other fighters in their latest update, including adjustments at bantamweight and featherweight. Kape's ranking marks his highest position since joining the UFC in 2020 following a stint in Rizin FF.

The flyweight division next sees action at UFC Fight Night in April, when former title challenger Amir Albazi returns from injury to face Matheus Nicolau.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — MMA divisional rankings: Kape punches his ticket t...