UFC Champion Joshua Van Called Out for UFC 326 Showdown

Top-ranked flyweight contender Manel Kape has offered to fight disgruntled UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van in just a few weeks' time.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Top-ranked flyweight contender Manel Kape has called out UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van, challenging him to a title fight at UFC 326 in just a few weeks. Van recently expressed frustration with the UFC for not booking his first title defense, which prompted Kape to escalate their ongoing war of words.

Why it matters

This potential matchup between the champion Van and top contender Kape would be a highly anticipated flyweight title fight, as both fighters have been vocal about wanting to face each other. The UFC may be waiting to see if former champion Alexandre Pantoja can return quickly from injury for an immediate rematch with Van, but Kape is positioning himself as the next logical challenger.

The details

Pantoja ruled over the men's flyweight division for more than two years before losing the title to Van at UFC 323 in a fight that ended in just 26 seconds due to Pantoja's arm injury. Van has since expressed frustration with the UFC for not booking his first title defense, which led Kape to call him out on social media and challenge him to fight at UFC 326 on March 7.

  • Pantoja lost the flyweight title to Van at UFC 323.
  • Van recently expressed frustration about not having his first title defense booked.
  • Kape called out Van on social media, challenging him to fight at UFC 326 on March 7.

The players

Joshua Van

The current UFC Flyweight Champion who recently won the title from Alexandre Pantoja.

Manel Kape

A top-ranked flyweight contender who has called out Van for a title fight at UFC 326.

Alexandre Pantoja

The former UFC Flyweight Champion who lost the title to Van in a short fight at UFC 323 due to an arm injury.

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What they’re saying

“We're all waiting for u to sign for March 7th. What's the delay? Pen out of ink or hands shaking?”

— Manel Kape (Twitter)

“Manel [Kape]...!???? [Tatsuro] Taira ...!????”

— Joshua Van (Twitter)

What’s next

The UFC may be waiting to see if former champion Alexandre Pantoja can return quickly from injury for an immediate rematch with Van, but Kape is positioning himself as the next logical challenger.

The takeaway

This potential matchup between the champion Van and top contender Kape would be a highly anticipated flyweight title fight, as both fighters have been vocal about wanting to face each other. The UFC's decision on who Van will face next could have major implications for the future of the flyweight division.