‘I can be next’ for Alexandre Pantoja with UFC Tampa win

TAMPA, Fla. – Bruno Silva thinks he’ll have a powerful case for a flyweight title shot if he beats Manel Kape on Saturday at UFC on ESPN 63.

With 4 consecutive victories, all by stoppage and with Efficiency of the Evening bonuses connected, Silva (14-5-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is arguably the most well liked identify within the division proper now outdoors of reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja, who efficiently defended the 125-pound strap this previous weekend at UFC 310 with a second-round submission of Kai Asakura.

Pantoja’s dominance over the burden class has left it largely baron of challengers. He has already crushed virtually each related identify, and a few of them even twice. Silva is a recent face, although, and he’s eager to make a press release towards Kape (19-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC) at Amalie Area (ESPN2, ESPN+) that proves that to the UFC brass, as nicely.

“5 Efficiency of the Evening in a row? I might be the following,” Silva instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 63 media day. “Kai Asakura come from RIZIN and battle for the title. Manel Kape was the RIZIN champ. He was most likely subsequent for the title, however he misplaced to (Muhamamd) Mokaev. However now he has one other probability. I believe with this battle, the winner might be subsequent. Pantoja already beat virtually the entire prime 10, so I really feel like I might be subsequent.”

Silva mentioned he is aware of that Kape is a top quality opponent who has by no means been completed in his UFC profession. “Bulldog” is keen to vary that, and with it change the dialog in regards to the lack of threats to Pantoja’s throne.

“4-fight win streak, nobody else has that within the flyweight division,” Silva mentioned. “Manel Kape’s an enormous identify. No. 9. That’s what I’m pondering. I may very well be subsequent.”

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