The UFC noticed a key flyweight combat at February’s UFC 284 fall by means of this week, with Kai Kara-France compelled out of his match-up with Alex Perez.
With the damage more likely to preserve Kara-France on the sidelines in the meanwhile, the group has now pivoted away from the New Zealand native, and paired Perez up with Manel Kape. Slightly than UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, that new match-up will come at UFC San Antonio on March 25, 2023.
MMA Preventing was first to report information of Perez vs. Kape being within the works on Friday. Kara-France revealed information of his damage on Thursday, saying that he was “gutted” to be compelled off the Perth card, the UFC’s first journey to Australia since previous to the coronavirus pandemic setting in.
“Sadly attributable to damage, I’ve needed to pull out of my up coming combat in Perth. I’m gutted I received’t be capable of combat in entrance of everybody in [Australia],” Kara-France wrote in an announcement on social media. “To everybody who helps me, I’m sorry. This has been irritating however i do know I’m making the appropriate choice. Hopefully me and [Alex Perez] can run it again subsequent yr. Benefit from the holidays, keep secure and can see you again within the Octagon 2023. A lot love everybody!”
Perez (24-7) had teased on social media that he had “combat information coming quickly” simply forward of the swap in opponents. The 30-year previous is trying to snap a two-fight skid, after struggling defeat by the hands of champ Deivson Figueiredo in a November 2020 title combat, and Alexandre Pantoja earlier this yr.
Manel Kape (18-6) has regained his footing after beginning his UFC run at 0-2. The previous RIZIN Preventing Federation champ received his final three fights, most not too long ago defeating David Dvorak in a powerful displaying at UFC Vegas 66 final weekend.
Alex Perez is at present ranked #6 within the flyweight division, whereas Manel Kape sits at #9.
