UFC 293 Manel Kape FRANCE MURDER

Sydney – Israel Adesanya stepped in to support his teammate Kai Kara-France after Manel Kape launched a verbal tirade against him.

Originally, Kape (18-6 MMA, 3-2 UFC) was slated to face Kara-France (24-11 MMA, 7-4 UFC) at UFC 293, which was held at Qudos Bank Arena. However, Kara-France had to withdraw due to a concussion sustained during training. Kape would now face newcomer Felipe dos Santos (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) instead.

Kara-France attended the UFC 293 press conference on Thursday, where Kape directed harsh words at him, leading to middleweight champion Adesanya stepping in. The confrontation escalated when Kape threw water bottles at Kara-France.

“Unfortunately, Kai Kara-France is acting cowardly,” Kape declared during the press conference. "A spineless individual. He stands before me, and you are to blame because this Sunday, someone will get hurt because of you, you coward. Afraid – you had three weeks to face me. You pathetic coward. Look at you, having the audacity to show up here. Yes! Get up, you [expletive]! Stand up, [expletive]!”

Kape didn't spare Adesanya either, trading insults with "The Stylebender." Tai Tuivasa and Sean Strickland, who were present, tried to mediate and calm the situation.

“What do you want?” Kape turned to Adesanya, who was standing. “Sit down… Keep quiet. You and your bizarre cartoon obsession.”