Van and Kape trade taunts over potential title fight
Joshua Van, the new UFC flyweight champion, and contender Manel Kape have been exchanging heated messages on social media.
Van captured the belt in December via an injury TKO over Alexandre Pantoja and now faces choices for his first defense, with Kape and Tatsuro Taira among the names being discussed.
The online back-and-forth began over the weekend and ran into Monday and Tuesday, with Kape arguing he deserves the next shot and even naming March 7 — the night of UFC 326 — as a possible date.
Kape says the promotion previously considered him as a short-notice replacement, while Van has pushed back, claiming Kape declined an offer.
No official matchup has been announced and talks are reportedly ongoing; further confirmation is expected from the promotion.
[Source]
MMA Fighting