Rogério Bontorin vs. Manel Kape Slated for UFC 252

Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva - USA TODAY Sports & RIZIN FF

An intriguing flyweight matchup between #9 ranked contender, Rogério Bontorin, and promotional newcomer, Manel 'Prodígio' Kape is booked to feature at UFC 252 on August 15th. - from Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to former 125-pound title challenger, Ray 'The Tazmexican Devil' Borg at UFC Fight Night Rio Rancho, Bontorin will welcome former RIZIN FF bantamweight gold holder, Kape to the promotion for his highly-anticipated Octagon bow. News of the matchup was initially reported by Combate reporter, Marcelo Barone.

Following a successful appearance on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contenders Series back in August 2018 against Gustavo Gabriel Silva, Paraná native, Bontorin - will attempt to move to 3-1 in the promotion. Prior to his above-noted defeat to Borg, the 28-year-old had taken a split judging win over Magomed Bibulatov in his promotional debut, before scoring a first-round stoppage over compatriot, Raulian Paiva at UFC Fight Night Montevideo.

Making his first walk under the promotional banner, Angolan-born, Portuguese-based competitor, Kape will put his three-fight winning-streak on the line when he meets with Bontorin. The former RIZIN FF 135-pound gold holder has dispatched, Kai Asakura, Takeya Mizugaki, and Seiinchiro Ito on his current run. With a 15-4 record, the 26-year-old began his professional career back on the Portuguese regional circuit back in May 2012, and also holds a victory over UFC alumnus, Ian 'Uncle Creepy' McCall.