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UFC Fighter Fires Back at Eye Poke Accusations After Fan Backlash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 8:19 PM ET

Accidental injuries are an unfortunate reality in combat sports. Whether a fighter is winning or losing, a single mishap can shift the momentum and determine the outcome. It’s an aspect of the fight game that, while unintentional, can change careers in an instant.

This scenario unfolded in the main event at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, where what initially appeared to be an accidental eye poke became a point of controversy. Manel Kape, however, firmly denies that an illegal strike played a role in his opponent’s injury. Instead, Kape asserts that it was his power, not an accident, that caused Asu Almabayev’s eye damage.

During an interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Kape addressed the situation, emphasizing that his strikes were responsible for the injury. “When I got the punch, immediately his eye was already destroyed,” Kape stated. “It was not an eye poke. I was picking him apart.”

The debate over the nature of the injury has sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Eye pokes are a persistent issue in MMA, but determining whether an injury stems from an unintentional foul or a legal strike can often be difficult in real-time. UFC President Dana White has previously acknowledged eye pokes as a serious problem in the sport, even exploring different glove designs to help reduce their frequency. However, he has also noted that some fighters use an open-hand style for defense, which can inadvertently lead to these incidents.

As the MMA community dissects the controversial finish, the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport. Fighters prepare for every scenario, but in a game where split-second moments can dictate victory or defeat, some outcomes remain beyond their control.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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