The UFC flyweight division is buzzing with drama as Manel Kape’s withdrawal from UFC 317 has opened the door for a new contender to face Brandon Royval. The highly anticipated bout was set to be a potential title eliminator, but an injury has forced Kape to step aside, shaking up the 317 card at T-Mobile, Las Vegas. Kape defended his decision to pull out, emphasizing that he only withdraws when absolutely necessary, like breaking his bones and not illnesses like diarrhea or concussions, according to one of his posts on X, taking a shot at Brandon Royval.
Kape’s absence may have paved the way for a rising star in, Joshua Van, to seize the spotlight. The flyweight division thrives quite a lot on unpredictability, and this latest twist in the plot proves it. Royval, a proven veteran of the sport, is ready to step back into the octagon and win a fight to ultimately contend for the title against the champ, Alexander Pantoja, yet again. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between the two, despite Manel Kape pulling out of the event.
Manel Kape (21-7-0) announced Monday he’s out of UFC 317 due to a fractured foot sustained during training, requiring surgery. The injury scraps his fight against Brandon Royval (17-7-0), which was eyed as the title eliminator for June 28 in Las Vegas.
Joshua Van (14-2-0) who, alongside Royval announced Monday they’ll face off even though the contracts are still pending according to various sources. The 23-year old phenom, fresh off of a TKO win over Bruno Silva at UFC 316, has fought 20 times since his 2020 amateur debut and is currently boasting a 4-fight win streak. UFC President Dana White praised Van’s relentless attitude post-UFC 316, and this given opportunity could also throw his name into title contention.
Royval, 32, returns after back-to-back wins over Tatsuro Taira, and Brandon Moreno, following a 2023 title loss against Alexander Pantoja. Sidelined since October 2024 due to concussion issues, he’s now cleared and eager to fight. If finalized, Van vs. Royval could still determine Pantoja’s next challenger.
nfl
