Overview
- The exchange began on June 24 when middleweight champion Sean Strickland posted insults about manager Ali Abdelaziz and accused flyweight Manel Kape of cheating, and Kape fired back on social media.
- Both fighters train at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas under coach Eric Nicksick, a fact that has heightened concern about tensions spilling into the gym.
- Reports on social platform X from accounts including TheStarched and insider Blake Avignon say Abdelaziz tried to swing at Nicksick backstage after UFC Vegas 119, but those accounts remain unverified and the UFC has not commented.
- Kape has publicly downplayed the feud, calling Strickland an attention seeker and saying he expects no lasting problems, while Strickland left Las Vegas to work with American Top Team in Florida preparing Johnny Eblen for a PFL fight.
- Observers note Strickland has repeatedly targeted other Abdelaziz-managed fighters, a pattern that could affect training-room relationships and lead to formal UFC inquiries or tighter backstage rules if the alleged altercation is confirmed.