Kai Kara-France is set to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 317, while criticizing Manel Kape for withdrawing from his fight against Brandon Royval due to injury, and highlighting Joshua Van as Kape’s replacement.
Kai Kara-France and Manel Kape have been heading for a showdown, but Kara-France isn’t shocked that Kape won’t be fighting this Saturday at UFC 317.
“Don’t Blink” is set to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title in the main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Kape was supposed to face Brandon Royval, but an injury took him out of the fight.
Kara-France is laser-focused on becoming a world champion but had thoughts on Kape’s withdrawal.
“This is typical Manel Kape behavior,” Kara-France told MMA Fighting. “He just can’t help himself. He’s always mouthing off online, and then, bam, he pulls out. I saw his post about Royval—karma, I guess.”
They were meant to clash at UFC 293 in September 2023, but Kara-France had to pull out due to a concussion. Since then, Kape hasn’t missed a chance to take shots at him on social media or in interviews.
Kara-France is well aware of the trash talk. While he respects Kape’s skills in the cage, that’s where it ends.
“I don’t know, his energy’s just off,” Kara-France explained. “He acts like it’s his world, but he’s been canceled 11 times in the UFC. Maybe a reset would do him good.”
He believes the UFC wants him to win the belt and set up a fight with Kape because of their animosity. “This guy’s an idiot. He’s insecure. That’s what I see.”
“He’s talented but lacks discipline. No respect for anyone, and that won’t get you far. He needs a slice of humble pie. I’d love to serve it, but he’s gotta earn his way back to a title fight.”
With Kape out, Joshua Van steps in to face Royval. Van’s on a four-fight win streak, including a recent victory at UFC 316.
If Kara-France wins the championship, he won’t be eyeing Kape as his first challenger. He’s more interested in the winner of the flyweight clash before his title bout.
“Joshua Van stepped in, talented kid,” Kara-France said. “He’s doing all the right things, fighting actively. The UFC loves that. He’s got a big test against Brandon Royval.”
“I won’t be watching that fight, though. I’ll be warming up. But I’ll definitely take notes on who wins.”