Press release: Faster, stronger and above all excited. This is how David Dvořák (20-4) faces his fifth fight in the prestigious UFC. Six days before Christmas Eve, he will face former Japanese champion Rizin Manel Kape (17-6) at UFC Fight Night 216 in Las Vegas.
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The Hradec Králové native is back in the cage after almost nine months and also after his first UFC loss. The defeat against Matheus Nicolau and the end of the winning streak, which had lasted since 2012 and spanned 16 games, are already in the past, and Dvořák are only looking ahead. “I don’t think I would be hungrier after a defeat. I look forward to it like every other game before it. I want to win and the fact that I lost last time means nothing to me.” Dvořák said before the next match.
Despite the loss, Dvořák has improved in the flyweight rankings and is currently ninth. He will now defend his position against 12th ranked wrestler Manuel Kape. “There wasn’t much to consider. The UFC was adamant that I’m the only opponent to choose from. So there was no room for negotiation.” Dvořák commented on the choice of opponent.
Prior to the UFC, Kape rose to prominence in Rizin, Japan where he won the vacant bantamweight title in late 2019 following the retirement of Kai Asakura. The new champion attracted attention and three months later became the first Angolan-Portuguese fighter in the ranks of the UFC.
He returned to flyweight in the UFC. However, his first Champions League match, after a series of complications, came just eleven months after signing his contract. He lost the premiership duel and failed even in the second match. Just like Dvořák, it wasn’t enough for Matheus Nicolau. Subsequently, however, he managed to finish both Ode Osbourne and Zhalgas Zhumagulov in the first round, and goes into the fifth game with a 2-2 record.
“He is a former Rizin champion. He is an excellent opponent. He has a great attitude, but I can’t even underestimate the terrain of him and just focus on one thing. We have our game ready for him so we will see what he will do. It’s another challenge for me and I’m happy to fight with names like that. The win probably won’t make me move up the standings, but rather it will strengthen my current position.” Dvořák evaluated his opponent.
Dvořák will fly to the United States in the early morning of December 3 from Václav Havel Airport. Coach Jan Maršálek will traditionally accompany him to the next match. However, he will be missed by coach Patrik Kincl, who is preparing for a rematch with Karlos Vémola. Conversely, American wrestler Asher Frederick will expand the team. He will be available to Dvořák as a sparring partner and assistant.
UFC Fight Night 216 is the final UFC gala of 2022 and will take place at the Apex Center in Las Vegas. His main event will be a middleweight fight between Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland.
