The Manel Kape vs. Matheus Nicolau rematch at UFC Fight Night 234 is no longer happening after the promotion decided to cancel the fight due to Kape’s big weight miss. According to Kape, the opponent didn’t want to fight in a catchweight bout, pushing the company to come up with the decision.
The company held its UFC Fight Night 234 this Friday, with all of the fighters attending the event to check their weight. Among the attendees were Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker, who will fight in a light heavyweight main event. The weigh-in ceremony was flawless except for the case of Kape, who weighed 3.5 pounds over the flyweight limit.
Earlier reports claimed that the bout would proceed, with Kape getting a 25% fine in his purse, but the company later announced that the fight was instead scratched from the lineup. With this, the event is now only expected to feature 11 bouts.
In his recent post on social media, Kape shared that he fell sick weeks ago and had to use antibiotics, which greatly affected his training. The fighter also affirmed that Nicolau refused to take the catchweight fight his party was offering, leading to the final decision to cancel the bout.
“My opponent didn’t accept to fight or accept my purse,” the fighter wrote. “I would give him my entire purse if he wants to fight. But things are as they are, and I take all the responsibilities.”
The news is not new in Kape’s record. In the past, the fighter also experienced fight cancellations, giving him a total of eight canceled fights after making his UFC debut. With this latest bout cancelation, “Starboy” would have to wait for another chance to avenge his UFC Vegas 21 split decision loss to Nicolau as the promotion still hasn’t confirmed if the fight will be rebooked.
In related news, here are the weigh-in results for the UFC Fight Night 234 event:
Main Card
Magomed Ankalaev (204.5) vs. Johnny Walker (205.5)
Manel Kape (129.5)* vs. Matheus Nicolau (126)
Gabriel Benitez (155) vs. Jim Miller (155.5)
Mario Bautista (135.5) vs. Ricky Simon (136)
Brunno Ferreira (185) vs. Phil Hawes (185)
Preliminary Card
Andrei Arlovski (247) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (261.5)
Preston Parsons (170.5) vs. Matthew Semelsberger (170.5)
Gaston Bolanos (135.5) vs. Marcus McGhee (135.5)
Farid Basharat (136) vs. Taylor Lapilus (136)
Jean Silva (145.5) vs. Westin Wilson (145.5)
Nikolas Motta (155.5) vs. Tom Nolan (155)
Felipe Bunes (125.5) vs. Joshua Van (125.5)
