“Card ruined” - Fans express frustration after Manel Kape’s “massive” weight miss triggers fight cancellation at UFC Vegas 84

UFC Vegas 84 will now feature one less fight on the card.

Manel Kape became the first fighter to miss weight in the UFC and just hours later, it was reported that his scheduled fight with Matheus Nicolau had been canceled. Kape weighed in at 129.5 pounds — 3.5 pounds over the limit — causing the intended co-main event fight to be called off.

Though it was initially rumored that the fight would resume with Kape forfeiting a portion of his purse, the news later broke that the flyweight bout would no longer be taking place.

Fans immediately reacted to the fight cancellation with immediate frustration. Many displayed disappointment with the fan-favorite 'Starboy' no longer competing, while some placed blame on the former RIZIN champion for his lack of professionalism.

One fan went as far as claiming the card is now 'ruined' without the top-10 flyweight clash.

Desperate for the fight to stay together, some fans suggested that the fight be re-booked at a later date, commenting:

"Move it to 297"

With many other fans ridiculing 'Starboy' for his pre-fight trash talk and making jokes at his expense. Here's what the fans had to say:

"Kape hype is finished"

"Bro was doing all that talking just to miss weight. Lol"

"So unfair to Nicolau + the fans miss a potential banger"

"Good. The fight continues and Kape finishes him everyone forgets about the weight miss"

View more fan reactions to Manel Kape missing weight below:

Fan reactions to Manel Kape's weight miss at UFC Vegas 84 [via @mma_orbit on X]

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Manel Kape's eventful UFC career

After another fight cancellation in the roller coaster of Manel Kape's career, the Portuguese flyweight now has more canceled fights than actual bouts in his UFC tenure.

Entering the UFC with a considerable amount of hype after a successful run in RIZIN, Kape is just 4-2 in the octagon despite signing with the promotion in 2020. As of January 2024, only six of the flyweight's 14 scheduled fights have materialized.

While some of the gray marks on his Tapology page are of his actions, many of his opponents have also pulled out just before their scheduled matchup. With a four-fight win streak, he has been on the brink of title contention but had three opponents ranked in the top 10 of the division call for a fight with him in 2023.