Manel Kape out, Joshua Van expected to face Brandon Royval at UFC 317 following late change

Manel Kape has been forced out of his upcoming UFC 317 fight against Brandon Royval due to undisclosed reasons, shaking up the flyweight matchup set for June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Joshua Van is expected to step in as a short-notice replacement to face Royval on the International Fight Week card. This change keeps Royval’s fight on the event but brings a fresh and exciting challenge for both competitors.

Royval revealed on social media that Joshua Van, a fast-rising prospect, will be his new opponent. Even with Kape sidelined, Royval stated that nothing about his mindset will change, and he sees Van as a tough competitor ready to make a name for himself. Van’s willingness to step up keeps the spotlight on the flyweight division during one of the UFC’s biggest weeks of the year.

Fans can now look forward to seeing how this new matchup plays out on one of the sport’s biggest stages. More details about the updated fight card can be found in reports on the UFC 317 changes and from the MMA Weekly announcement.

Manel Kape’s Withdrawal and Its Impact

The main event plans for UFC 317 shifted quickly when Manel Kape pulled out of his flyweight fight against Brandon Royval. His sudden exit left the International Fight Week card in need of a new matchup, leading to Joshua Van stepping in as a short-notice replacement.

Details of Kape’s Exit

Manel Kape’s removal from the UFC 317 co-main event was announced by Brandon Royval on social media. The specific reason for Kape’s withdrawal has not been fully confirmed, with Royval himself stating he had "zero idea of the extent" of Kape’s injuries.

Fans speculated about the cause since no official word about a fractured foot, concussion, or need for surgery has surfaced. UFC has listed the cause as "undisclosed reasons," leading to increased curiosity on Instagram and other platforms. Kape has not made any direct comments about the situation.

Changing the UFC 317 Lineup

With Manel Kape out, the UFC acted fast to keep the flyweight matchup intact. Joshua Van accepted the offer to fight Royval at the T-Mobile Arena on June 28 during International Fight Week. This move helps maintain excitement for a potential flyweight title shot.

Van, seen by many as a top rising talent, now faces Royval in a high-stakes fight. The change could also impact the future flyweight title picture, as both fighters are eager to prove themselves in front of a large event audience. The update ensures the co-main event remains compelling for fans and the division.

Joshua Van Steps Up Against Brandon Royval

Joshua Van will replace Manel Kape at UFC 317 to fight Brandon Royval. Both fighters are top flyweight contenders, with Van taking this bout on short notice after a recent win.

Background and Recent Performances

Joshua Van is on a four-fight winning streak in the UFC. His most recent outing was a third-round knockout win over Bruno Silva at UFC 316, just weeks before accepting this new bout. Van’s willingness to step up again on short notice shows his fearless approach.

He also has a notable split decision win over Rei Tsuruya, displaying his ability to handle closely contested fights and adapt under pressure. At just 22 years old, Van is considered one of the most exciting young fighters in the division and is viewed as a rising prospect. His last performances have highlighted his aggressive style and impressive stamina.

Brandon Royval, the former title challenger and top contender, continues to face serious opposition. He remains close to another potential title eliminator and is known for his wild fighting style and submission finishes. This fight will help determine who stays at the top of the flyweight division.

Royval’s Perspective and Preparation

Brandon Royval learned about the change in opponent when Manel Kape withdrew for undisclosed reasons. He expressed respect for Van and described him as “the hottest prospect and probably the most exciting UFC flyweight in front of me,” according to MMA Fighting.

Royval’s preparation does not shift much despite the new opponent. His focus remains on staying ready for any style. Facing someone on a winning streak like Van means Royval prepares for a dangerous and hungry competitor who is eager to make his name in a high-profile fight.

For Royval, every fight is a potential title eliminator. He must adapt quickly, as Van brings a different set of skills compared to Kape. Royval’s approach is to stay sharp, keep his mindset clear, and use his experience in big moments to secure the win.

Broader Implications for the Flyweight Division

The withdrawal of Manel Kape and the arrival of Joshua Van as Brandon Royval’s new opponent at UFC 317 creates real shifts within the flyweight rankings. This change also affects the paths for top contenders and could lead to new matchups among the division’s best.

Title Picture and Contenders

With Manel Kape removed from the card, the flyweight title picture remains centered on champion Alexandre Pantoja, who defended his belt at UFC 296. Brandon Royval, a recent title challenger, gets a fresh opportunity to hold his spot in the rankings by facing Joshua Van. If Royval wins, he maintains pressure on other contenders like Brandon Moreno, Kai Kara-France, and up-and-coming fighters Tatsuro Taira and Asu Almabayev.

Joshua Van steps in as one of the division’s hottest prospects after recent strong performances, including a big win at UFC 316. If he defeats Royval, Van could leapfrog several rivals, pushing closer to championship talks. These developments also keep the flyweight division in the spotlight, as shake-ups here often tie into main-event cards featuring other champions like Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira.

Potential Future Matchups

The rescheduling creates room for intriguing matchups. If Royval beats Van, he may call for another shot at Alexandre Pantoja or possibly a fight with former champ Brandon Moreno, adding extra tension to the top five. A Van victory could set up a clash with proven names such as Kai Kara-France, or fast-rising threats like Tatsuro Taira, whose unbeaten record in the UFC generates interest.

With Manel Kape out, his own return could spark matchups against fighters like Asu Almabayev or Cody Durden, who are gaining momentum. Results from UFC 317 will influence the division’s next moves and could set up a knockout or TKO finish that shapes the next championship matchup. Upcoming events will decide who challenges for the title and how the rankings shift in the months ahead.