Remembering Manel Kape’s iconic Christiano Ronaldo celebration after his first win in the UFC

UFC flyweight Manel Kape achieved a significant milestone in his career during UFC 265 on August 7, 2021. Facing Ode' Osbourne, Kape secured his first UFC victory with a spectacular flying knee knockout in the first round. Kape celebrated this victory with the iconic “siu” celebration of Portuguese footballer Christiano Ronaldo. This win not only marked a turning point in his UFC journey but also set the path for the dominant fighter he would eventually become. Kape will face flyweight contender Asu Almabayev at UFC Vegas this Saturday at the Apex.

Manel Kape won against Ode Osbourne after two back-to-back losses at UFC 265

Before joining the UFC, Kape had an impressive run in the Rizin Fighting Federation, where he held the bantamweight championship title. His aggressive fighting style and knockout power made him a formidable opponent in the Japanese promotion. However, transitioning to the UFC presented challenges. Kape's initial bouts in the UFC resulted in back-to-back decision losses against Alexandre Pantoja and Matheus Nicolau, putting him in a difficult position within the highly competitive flyweight division.

The bout against Osbourne was crucial for Kape's standing in the UFC. It was a must-win for him. Adding to the pressure, Kape missed the flyweight limit by three pounds during the weigh-ins, leading to a catchweight bout and a 20% purse penalty. Despite these setbacks, Kape entered the octagon with determination. The fight commenced with both fighters exchanging a series of technical strikes and kicks. As the first round neared its conclusion, Kape executed a perfectly timed flying knee that connected with Osbourne's jaw, sending him to the canvas. Kape immediately followed up with ground strikes, prompting the referee to stop the fight at 4:44 of the opening round. This decisive victory ended Kape's losing streak in the UFC.


In a memorable post-fight moment, Kape celebrated his win by emulating football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic "siu" celebration. This gesture involved a mid-air pirouette followed by a shout of "siu," a trademark move popularized by Ronaldo during his goal celebrations. Kape's admiration for Ronaldo stems from their shared Portuguese heritage and Ronaldo's global athletic achievements. Ronaldo is known for his love of combat sports and often attends major UFC events.

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This victory was a pivotal moment in Kape's UFC career. It demonstrated his ability to overcome his initial losses and solidified his reputation as a dynamic striker in the flyweight division. Fans and analysts took note of his performance, anticipating his rise within the UFC ranks.