Speculation runs wild after UFC 304 main card bout mysteriously demoted to early Prelims: ‘Best fight on the card’

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Manel Kape vs. Muhammad Mokaev is one of the most important fights on the UFC 304 card. Outside of the two title fights that top the event, it might be the most relevant bout to its division’s title picture. Ranked at No. 8 and No. 6 in the world respectively, the winner may receive the next shot at divisional kingpin Alexandre Pantoja.

So what’s it doing on the earliest portion of the preliminary card?

Kape vs. Mokaev wasn’t always located on the “Prelims.” Just a week ago, it was expected to be part of the main pay-per-view (PPV) showcase. Then, it was announced during the UFC Vegas 94 broadcast that the bout was moved to the “Prelim” headliner spot, a position that still draws a lot of eyes. Now, it’s fallen down all the way to the early “Prelims” per UFC and ESPN websites.

Why?

Fans online are trying to figure that out, and there’s a lot of theories and reactions going about. Most of them revolve around Kape, who has missed weight and been forced to withdraw due to injury in the last year. If something is wrong with “Starboy” and he’s iffy for Saturday night, maybe that explains the bout relocation. The alternative theory is maybe the bout’s location was affected by the wonky time slot, which will punish local fans and athletes alike by forcing them to endure an extremely late Saturday night until early Sunday morning event

Either way, check out some of the online reaction below:

This is the most important non-title fight on the entire card. Something is going on here

People still think Kape is gonna make weight? He’s way too big for flyweight

They know that Kape is gonna pull out, and Mokaev is gonna end up facing some unknown guy on like 2 days’ notice

Exactly this is insane. There has to be something going on

Makes sense to move it to a watchable time for UK people I guess. No need for it to be at like 5am.

Has to have something to do with ratings. They probably wanna bring more eyes to the early prelim card.

They’re trying to pump up the early card. Remember this is going to be after midnight in Manchester.

[Manel Kape] on the early prelims? Wtf how is that possible that’s the best fight on the card I’m sick

At the moment, Christian Leeroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues — certainly a fun fight in its own right — is listed as the replacement bout on the main PPV card. Stay tuned for any further updates!

Insomnia

Nursulton Ruziboev just got outwrestled by Joaquin Buckley so they’re putting him against Rinat Fakhretdinov? Tough one.

I don’t really believe it happens this weekend, but I would love to see what happens if Aspinall is forced into the third round.

UFC 304 gets a bit of the magical treatment.

Canelo better watch out, because quick hands Belal is on the rise.

Paddy Pimblett and Leon Edwards aren’t the only fighters getting special shorts this weekend.

This is a good way to avoid getting kicked.

Heartbreaking words from Francis Ngannou.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Taking the 2 to the body from an open stance engagement:

This is a textbook cross counter (overhand over the jab). It reminds me of Korean Zombie vs. Renato Moicano!

Kano got caught ducking into the lead hand uppercut.

Random Land

I’ve seen a bunch of cool Olympics clips in the last few days, and this is as impressive as any of ‘em.

Midnight Music: Alt. rock, 1994

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.

LIVE! Watch UFC 304 PPV On ESPN+ Here!

’McGREGOR-FREE MAIN EVENT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sat., June 29, 2024, without its biggest box office draw, Conor McGregor, after the Irish sports star delayed the “greatest comeback of all-time” because he broke his pinky toe (seriously). Coming the rescue once again is Light Heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, agreeing to rematch former division champion, Jiri Prochazka, in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event. In UFC 303’s co-headliner, top-ranked Featherweight contender, Brian Ortega, will attempt to halt the rise of red-hot surging 145-pound prospect, Diego Lopes. UFC 303’s PPV main card (see it here) will also feature Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze and Ian Garry vs. Michael “Venom” Page and so much more. It’s must-watch action! UFC 303 start time scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (Prelims) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV).

Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!