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

Kape appealed to UFC President Dana White between the second and third rounds for a title shot, as he was in control of the fight well heading into the final frame. White could be heard through a hot mic telling Kape: “You have five minutes left. Mind your own business and we’ll have a conversation.

After Kape was victorious by TKO, he once again 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 was going to get the next shot against champion Alexandre Pantoja and White replied bluntly: “No, he doesn’t have a chance at the title. But we’ll definitely give him what he’s looking for.

Here’s a look at the segment.

It’s unclear what the UFC will give Kape, if it gives him “what he’s looking for,” if it’s not a title shot.

It looks like he could be set for a title eliminator, and it could be against bitter rival Kai Kara France, the man many suspect will be the next contender to challenge Pantoja.

Kape fought Pantoja in February 2021 in his UFC debut and lost by unanimous decision. Yet on Saturday night he looked masterful. Kape toyed with Silva on the feet, as you can see in the exchange below, and he managed to shut down his opponent’s grappling attempts.

His striking was fluid and explosive, and he had to overcome three low blows from Silva to finish. The third foul cost Silva a point. This proved inconsequential as Kape finished on the final lap.

Kape landed a borderline kick of his own on Silva to spark the flurry that led to the end of the fight.

In case you missed it, here’s a sneak peek the finish:

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

Because of this, it would appear that Kape is one more win away from getting the title shot he covets.

If Kape isn’t next for Pantoja, a rematch with Kara France, a third fight with Brandon Royval, or perhaps some new blood in the form of a title challenge to 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 defeats Colby Covington by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 4:42 of Round 3
• Cub Swanson defeats Billy Quarantillo by KO (right hand) at 1:36 of Round 3
• Manel Kape defeats Bruno Silva by TKO (strikes) at 1:57 of Round 3
• Dustin Jacoby defeats Vitor Petrino by KO (right hand) at 3:44 of Round 3
• Daniel Marcos defeats Adrian Yanez by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
• Navajo Stirling defeats Tuco Tokkos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Michael Johnson defeats Ottman Azaitar by KO (right hook) at 2:03 of Round 2
• Joel Álvarez defeats Drakkar Klose by KO (flying knee) at 2:48 of first round
• Sean Woodson defeats Fernando Padilla by TKO (strikes) at 4:58 of first round
• Felipe Lima defeats Miles Johns by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Miranda Maverick defeats Jamey-Lyn Horth by 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 by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)