The war of words started after Van, who won the title due to injury Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 he discussed potential challengers with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. Kape seized the moment, declaring that he would defeat both Van and Royval “in one night” and vowing to end Van’s championship “fairy tale” before it begins.
The Callout: Kape’s daring social media challenge
Kape’s self-confidence is at an all-time high after his own Performance of the night victory over Royval. On social media platform
This bravado is characteristic of Kape, who has long been looking for a title shot. His decisive victory over #1 ranked contender Royval solidified his position as the division’s top challenger, making his call to the UFC impossible to ignore.
Van’s response: The champion accepts
Joshua Van, never one to shy away from confrontation, quickly responded to Kape’s challenge. On the same platform, the champion acknowledged the call and simply wrote: “I see you, Manel Kape.”
This short but effective response signals that the champion is prepared to defend his title for the first time against the most dangerous and in-form contender around. It sets the stage for a striker-to-striker clash that promises fireworks, with Van’s relentless pressing meeting Kape’s explosive, fight-ending power.
The flyweight landscape: Other contenders loom
While the Kape fight appears to be the front-runner, Van’s championship will have no shortage of challenges. The division features several other elite prospects waiting for their opportunity:
- Tatsuro Taira: The undefeated Japanese phenom also scored a big win at UFC 323, making him a former champion Brandon Moreno. He poses a dangerous wrestling-based threat to both Van and Kape.
- Alexandre Pantoja: The former champion, who vacated the title due to a serious shoulder injury, is expected to get an immediate title shot upon his return, scheduled for late 2026. Van has already expressed a strong desire for a “real” rematch with Pantoja to legitimize his title reign.
The UFC now faces an interesting matchmaking decision: immediately book the hot Kape fight or potentially create an interim title scene as Van awaits Pantoja’s lengthy recovery.
Analysis: A stylistic firefight in the making
A possible fight between Joshua Van and Manel Kape is a fan-friendly matchup. Both men are aggressive, technical attackers who prefer to keep the fight standing and hunt for finishes.
Van (15-1) would likely use his big, forward style to pressure Kape, while Kape (22-6) would look to counter with the sharp, powerful boxing and explosive kicks that have led to 15 career knockouts. The clash of their opposing approaches – Van’s ruthless activity versus Kape’s calculated power – would make for a compelling and volatile title fight, likely destined for a Fight of the night bonus.
Frequently asked questions
Who shouted Manel Kape after his last victory?
Immediately after knocking out Brandon Royval, Kape called out the new UFC flyweight champion: Joshua Vanon social media.
How did Joshua Van become a UFC champion?
Van won the title at UFC 323 after his fight with the then-champion Alexandre Pantoja was stopped just seconds into the first round due to Pantoja’s dislocated shoulder.
What did Kape say he would do to Joshua Van?
Kape boldly claimed that he would “say [Van] sleep” and even stated that he could beat both Van and his previous opponent, Brandon Royval, “in the same night.”
Who else could challenge Joshua Van for the title?
Other top contenders include the undefeated Tatsuro Taira and the injured former champion, Alexandre Pantojawho Van has said he wants to match again.
Is the Kape vs. Van fight officially booked?
Not yet. Although both fighters have publicly agreed to the fight on social media, the UFC has made no official announcement regarding the date or event.
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