LAS VEGAS – UFC flyweight Matheus Nicolau has publicly criticized his would-be opponent, Manel Kape, after Kape failed to make weight for their scheduled bout at UFC Vegas 84. Kape tipped the scales at 129.5 pounds, 3.5 pounds over the required weight limit, resulting in the cancellation of the fight. Kape later claimed on social media that he was sick two weeks prior to the fight and accused Nicolau of refusing to accept a catchweight bout.
Responding to Kape’s excuses, Nicolau labeled his opponent as “irresponsible, reckless, and disrespectful” and accused him of attempting to cheat the system. Nicolau emphasized the importance of martial artists fulfilling their obligation to make weight and expressed his disappointment in the cancellation of the fight.
With Nicolau vs. Kape off the card, UFC Vegas 84 will proceed with 11 fights. The event will be headlined by a light heavyweight rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Meanwhile, a lightweight bout between Jim Miller and Gabriel Benitez has been elevated to the co-main event.
In conclusion, Matheus Nicolau has criticized Manel Kape for missing weight before their scheduled bout at UFC Vegas 84. Nicolau accused Kape of trying to gain an unfair advantage and expressed his disappointment in the cancellation of the fight. UFC Vegas 84 will continue with a new co-main event and 11 fights in total.