Manel Kape was hugely impressive in his third-round TKO win over Bruno Silva on Saturday night in Tampa, but not good enough to earn a shot at the UFC flyweight championship.

Kape appealed to UFC President Dana White between the second and third rounds to secure the title as he had the fight well under control heading into the final frame. On a hot mic, White was heard telling Kape, “You’ve got five more minutes. Take care of business and we’ll talk.”

After scoring the TKO victory, Kape reiterated his desire to receive a title shot. After the event, it was unclear whether White and Kape had spoken.

However, during the post-event press conference, a reporter asked White if Kape would get the next shot at champion Alexandre Pantoja, and White replied bluntly: “No, he won’t get a shot at the title.” But we’ll definitely give him, what he is looking for.”

Here’s a look at the segment.

It’s unclear what the UFC will give Kape by giving him “what he’s looking for” if that’s not a shot at the title.

It sounds like he could be primed for a title eliminator against bitter rival Kai Kara France, the man many suspect will be the next Pantoja contender.

Kape fought Pantoja in his UFC debut in February 2021 and lost via unanimous decision. On Saturday evening, however, he looked masterful. Kape played with Silva on his feet, as you can see in the exchange below, and was able to fend off his opponent’s attempts to attack.

His striking was deft and explosive and he had to fend off three low blows from Silva to finish. The third foul cost Silva a point. It no longer mattered as Kape finished on the final lap.

Kape landed his own borderline kick on Silva, sparking the fracas that led to the end of the fight.

In case you missed it, here’s a look at the destination:

Kape entered the fight ranked No. 9 and Silva ranked No. 12. There’s a chance Kape will remain at No. 9 when the new rankings are released on Wednesday.

Because of this, it seems like Kape is just one win away from his coveted title.

If Kape isn’t next for Pantoja, a rematch with Kara France, a third fight with Brandon Royval, or perhaps some youth in the form of a title challenge from No. 7 contender Asu Almabayev.

Here’s a look at all the results from UFC Tampa.

UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley ReResults

• Joaquin Buckley defeated Colby Covington by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 4:42 of round 3
• Cub Swanson defeated Billy Quarantillo by KO (right hand) at 1:36 of round 3
• Manel Kape defeated Bruno Silva by TKO (punches) at 1:57 of round 3
• Dustin Jacoby defeated Vitor Petrino by KO (right hand) at 3:44 of round 3
• Daniel Marcos defeats Adrian Yanez via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
• Navajo Stirling defeats Tuco Tokkos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Michael Johnson defeated Ottman Azaitar by KO (right hook) at 2:03 of round 2
• Joel Álvarez defeated Drakkar Klose by KO (flying knee) at 2:48 of round 1
• Sean Woodson defeated Fernando Padilla by TKO (punches) at 4:58 of round 1
• Felipe Lima defeats Miles Johns via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Miranda Maverick defeats Jamey-Lyn Horth via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Davey Grant defeats Ramon Taveras by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Piera Rodriguez defeats Josefine Knutsson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)