Manel “StarBoy” Kape is an Angolan-Portuguese professional mixed martial artist known for his explosive knockout power, flashy personality, and dynamic striking. Competing in the UFC’s flyweight division, Kape has become one of the promotion’s most entertaining fighters thanks to his highlight-reel finishes and confident fighting style.
As of 2026, Kape holds a professional MMA record of 23-7 and rides a four-fight winning streak that includes knockout victories over Brandon Royval and former RIZIN champion Kyoji Horiguchi. Before joining the UFC, he captured the RIZIN Bantamweight Championship in Japan, proving himself as one of the world’s elite lighter-weight fighters long before arriving in the Octagon.
Manel Kape Fighter Information
| Stats | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manel Pedro Gomes Kape |
| Nickname | StarBoy |
| Born | November 14, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Luanda, Angola |
| Nationality | Angolan-Portuguese |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Division | Flyweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | Xtreme Couture |
| Record | 23-7 |
| Former Titles | RIZIN Bantamweight Champion, KOC Bantamweight Champion |
| @manelkape |
What Is Manel Kape Known For?
Kape is best known for five things:
- His devastating knockout power.
- Winning the RIZIN Bantamweight Championship.
- His exciting striking style.
- His outspoken confidence and charisma.
- Becoming one of the UFC flyweight division’s top contenders.
Unlike many flyweights who rely heavily on speed and volume, Kape looks to end fights with a single clean shot. His ability to explode into combinations makes him one of the most dangerous finishers in the division.
Why Is Manel Kape Called “StarBoy”?
The nickname “StarBoy” perfectly reflects Kape’s personality.
Throughout his career, he has embraced the spotlight with confidence, entertaining fans through his walkouts, interviews, and fighting style. Kape has repeatedly said he believes he is destined to become a global star, and he carries that belief into every fight.
His confidence has become one of the defining parts of his brand both inside and outside the Octagon.
Manel Kape’s Early Life
Kape was born in Luanda, Angola, before later moving to Portugal.
Growing up, he developed an interest in combat sports at an early age. Before focusing on mixed martial arts, he competed in several boxing matches, helping him build the striking foundation that would later become one of his greatest strengths.
How Did Manel Kape Get Into MMA?
Kape made his professional MMA debut at just 17 years old.
Competing throughout Portugal, he quickly earned a reputation as an aggressive finisher. He captured victories by knockout and submission while winning the Knock Out Championship Bantamweight title.
Those early years helped shape the explosive style fans know today.
Becoming a Champion in RIZIN
Kape’s international breakthrough came after signing with RIZIN Fighting Federation in Japan.
Although he experienced setbacks against Kyoji Horiguchi and Kai Asakura, he refused to let those defeats define him.
Instead, he bounced back with impressive victories over Yusaku Nakamura, Seiichiro Ito, and former UFC veteran Takeya Mizugaki before earning a rematch with Kai Asakura for the vacant RIZIN Bantamweight Championship.
Kape made the most of the opportunity, stopping Asakura in the second round to become RIZIN champion and establish himself as one of the world’s best lighter-weight fighters.
Manel Kape’s UFC Career
The UFC signed Kape in 2020 following his success in Japan.
His first two Octagon appearances resulted in decision losses to Alexandre Pantoja and Matheus Nicolau. However, many fans believed he deserved the nod against Nicolau after a razor-close contest.
Rather than losing confidence, Kape completely reinvented his UFC run.
He knocked out Ode Osbourne with a spectacular flying knee before stopping Zhalgas Zhumagulov, Bruno Silva, Asu Almabayev, Brandon Royval, and Kyoji Horiguchi.
Those victories transformed him from an inconsistent newcomer into one of the UFC’s most dangerous flyweight contenders.
What Is Manel Kape’s Fighting Style?
Kape is one of the UFC’s most explosive counter strikers.
He combines elite speed with exceptional timing and rarely wastes movement inside the cage.
Although his knockout power receives most of the attention, Kape is also a skilled grappler with five submission victories during his professional career.
His patience allows him to capitalize on mistakes before launching fast combinations that often end fights.
Training at Xtreme Couture
Kape trains out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, one of the world’s most respected MMA gyms.
Working alongside elite coaches and UFC fighters has helped sharpen every aspect of his game, particularly his wrestling defense and overall fight IQ.
The move has played a significant role in his rise through the UFC flyweight rankings.
What Has Manel Kape Accomplished?
Kape has built one of the strongest résumés among active flyweights.
His accomplishments include:
- Former RIZIN Bantamweight Champion.
- Former KOC Bantamweight Champion.
- Multiple UFC Performance of the Night bonuses.
- Most knockouts in UFC flyweight history.
- Longest knockout streak in UFC flyweight history.
- Victories over several former champions and top contenders.
Manel Kape’s Life Outside MMA
Outside the cage, Kape describes himself as both an athlete and investor.
He frequently shares motivational messages on social media while promoting a mindset built around confidence, discipline, and ambition.
His Instagram bio includes the phrase “No mercy. No limits.”—a slogan that reflects the aggressive approach he brings to every fight.
Why Manel Kape Stands Out
Few flyweights combine athleticism, charisma, and finishing ability quite like Manel Kape.
From his beginnings in Angola to becoming a champion in Japan and later establishing himself as one of the UFC’s biggest flyweight stars, Kape has consistently entertained fans with his fearless style.
With knockout power, championship experience, and an ever-growing list of impressive victories, “StarBoy” remains one of the most exciting fighters to watch as he continues his pursuit of UFC gold.
FAQ
Who is Manel Kape?
Manel Kape is an Angolan-Portuguese mixed martial artist competing in the UFC flyweight division. He is a former RIZIN Bantamweight Champion known for his knockout power and exciting fighting style.
Why is Manel Kape called “StarBoy”?
The nickname reflects Kape’s confident personality, showmanship, and belief that he is destined to become one of MMA’s biggest stars.
Has Manel Kape won a world championship?
Yes. Before joining the UFC, Kape won the RIZIN Bantamweight Championship and the Knock Out Championship bantamweight title.
