Manel Kape acknowledges Joshua Van‘s legitimate win over Alexandre Pantoja due to an injury at UFC 323 but feels the better fighter remains undetermined, as he prepares for his own fight against Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 112.
Manel Kape doesn’t see Joshua Van’s flyweight title win at UFC 323 as a fluke. While he acknowledges the victory, he’s unsure who the superior fighter truly is.
Van secured the championship by defeating Alexandre Pantoja with a quick first-round TKO. Pantoja suffered a severe elbow injury after a high kick, unable to continue, which led to Van’s win.
Kape is gearing up for a major fight against Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 112. Reflecting on Van’s victory, he shared his thoughts on the unexpected outcome.
“He didn’t beat Pantoja; it was an accident,” Kape mentioned. “We couldn’t determine the better fighter that night. Joshua Van is the man now, fair and square.”
Kape recalled his own injury experience. “When I got injured in July, I was grateful it happened in training, not during a fight,” he said. He empathizes with Pantoja’s situation, noting how injuries can drastically impact a fighter’s career.
Van’s rapid rise in 2025 is intriguing. After Kape’s injury, Van stepped in and defeated Royval, earning a title shot. This twist of fate reshaped the division’s landscape.
Kape has been on a roll, winning six of his last seven fights. Facing Royval is his chance to make a statement and reclaim his path to the title.
“So I had the injury, and Joshua Van took my place,” Kape explained. “I thought Royval won, but the decision went to Van. Now, I’m ready to prove myself.”
Kape respects Van’s achievement but believes the fight left questions unanswered. “It’s legit, of course,” he said. “But we didn’t find out who the better man was.”
“Congrats to him,” Kape concluded, acknowledging Van’s status as champion. Despite the unusual circumstances, Van’s win stands.