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13 clusters · 95 sources · 71 days · First seen · Last updated
Joshua Van and Manel Kape trade insults ahead of potential K
Overview
Following his successful title defense against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, flyweight champion Joshua Van has entered a social media dispute with top contender Manel Kape. While an official bout between the two has not been announced, the fighters have begun building tension through public exchanges.
Van initiated the confrontation by advising Kape to begin his weight cut immediately to prevent potential excuses during the fight. Kape responded by accusing Van of ‘hiding from competition’ and suggested that his current weight would enable him to finish the fight quickly. The exchange escalated as both fighters traded insults regarding their professional readiness and personal lives.
In a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, Kape provided more specific details regarding the potential matchup, suggesting a January 2027 window for the championship bout. While a December fight had been previously discussed, Kape indicated that January appears more likely.
Kape asserted that he is the next in line for the title, claiming his skill and power levels are superior to Van’s. He characterized the potential fight as being ‘too easy,’ predicting that Van will be too slow in his striking. Comparing the expected dynamic to the matchup between Anderson Silva and Forrest Griffin, Kape claimed he possesses the strategy and knowledge necessary to overcome the champion.
Entities
Joshua Van · UFC · Alexandre Pantoja · Manel Kape · Mauricio Ruffy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Joshua Van defends his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch.
- [● 2 SOURCES] UFC 331 will take place at the Crypto. com Arena in Los Angeles.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Joshua Van holds a 10-1 record since joining the UFC in June 2023.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Joshua Van is currently on a seven-fight winning streak.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The lightweight bout between Brian Ortega and Renato Moicano was removed from the card due to injury.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy will compete in a five-round co-main event for a lightweight No. 1 contender spot.
Timeline
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesManel Kape targets January 2027 UFC title fight against Joshua Van
UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape anticipates a title fight against Joshua Van in January 2027, claiming he possesses superior speed and skill for the championship bout.
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[SPORTS] 4 sourcesJoshua Van and Manel Kape trade insults ahead of potential title fight
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van and contender Manel Kape have traded social media insults ahead of a potential, though unannounced, title fight.
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesSean O'Malley predicts Joshua Van could be greatest flyweight ever
Sean O'Malley predicts UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van could become the greatest flyweight of all time following his recent title defense against Alexandre Pantoja.
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesJoshua Van defends UFC flyweight title at UFC 331
Joshua Van defended his UFC flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, earning ‘Fight of the Night’ honors in a performance praised by Demetrious Johnson and Dana White.
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[SPORTS] 10 sourcesJoshua Van retains UFC flyweight title after defeating Alexandre Pantoja
Joshua Van retained his UFC flyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, setting up a future title clash with top contender Manel Kape.
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[SPORTS] 4 sourcesDrake places $650,000 bet on Joshua Van for UFC 331
Drake has placed a $650,000 bet on Joshua Van to defend his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331.
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[SPORTS] 73 sourcesJoshua Van retains flyweight title at UFC 331
Joshua Van defended his UFC flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, while Arman Tsarukyan secured a first-round knockout against Mauricio Ruffy in Los Angeles.
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[SPORTS] 6 sourcesJoshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja set for UFC flyweight title rematch
Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja will rematch for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 331 in Los Angeles, with Van promising to exploit a perceived weakness in the champion's game.
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[SPORTS] 14 sourcesUFC 331 features Van-Pantoja rematch and card changes
UFC 331 features a flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja. Meanwhile, Brian Ortega's injury has moved Renato Moicano to a Halloween headliner against Tom Nolan.
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesJoshua Van to defend flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331
UFC 331 will feature a flyweight title rematch between champion Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja on September 19 in Los Angeles, headlined by a high-stakes lightweight bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio_
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[SPORTS] 6 sourcesAlexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van clash at UFC 331 press conference
Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van had a heated verbal confrontation at the UFC 331 press conference ahead of their September 19 flyweight championship rematch in Los Angeles.
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[SPORTS] 9 sourcesMauricio Ruffy eyes UFC lightweight title after win over Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331
Mauricio Ruffy says a knockout of Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 in Los Angeles will secure him a lightweight title shot against champion Justin Gaethje.
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[SPORTS] 11 sourcesJoshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja Rematch Headlines UFC 331 in Los Angeles
UFC 331 in Los Angeles on Sep 19, 2026 features Joshua Van defending the flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja, with Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy as co‑main.
Sources
agfight.com · al.com · aljazeera.com · allhiphop.com · archynetys.com · bettingpros.com · bjpenn.com · bleacherreport.com · boxingnews.com · brobible.com · ca.sports.yahoo.com · cagepotato.com · cagesidepress.com · cashonyourmobile.net.au · covers.com · deadspin.com · diariodopara.com.br · dsr.dk · esportenewsmundo.com.br · esportes.estadao.com.br · essentiallysports.com · f4wonline.com · fantasylabs.com · fightermag.se · fightful.com · fightmag.com · fightmatrix.com · frontkick.online · gazetaweb.com · gonkaku.jp · gq.com.mx · gramgrubo.pl · gzt.com · hardstyle.com · heavy.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · hopkinsmedicine.org · independent.co.uk · insider.foxnews.com · inthecage.pl · itsgame7.com · jornalespalhafato.com · khelnow.com · kimura.se · leodias.odia.ig.com.br · logos-pres.md · lowkickmma.com · lowking.pl
This summary has been updated 28 times: see revision history