Joshua Van fires back at Manel Kape ahead of UFC 336

Joshua Van has responded sharply to Manel Kape’s verbal attacks ahead of their flyweight title showdown at UFC 336. The two fighters are scheduled to meet on January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, with Van preparing to defend his championship against one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.

The tension escalated after Kape mocked Van’s defensive abilities and suggested the champion might need permission to wear a helmet during their fight. The Angolan challenger believes he can exploit weaknesses in Van’s game, arguing that the champion’s relative lack of experience leaves openings that previous opponents have failed to take advantage of.

Van was quick to hit back on social media platform X, telling Kape to make sure he meets the division’s weight requirements and turns up ready to fight. The champion also took a dig at the challenger’s previous injury problems, adding another layer to an increasingly personal rivalry between the two flyweights.

Van enters the contest after successful title defences against Tatsuro Taira and Alexandre Pantoja. Kape, meanwhile, has built momentum with a series of impressive finishes and is determined to claim UFC gold for the first time. Their meeting promises to be a compelling clash between the champion’s aggressive boxing and the challenger’s speed, power and confidence.