Joshua Van captures the flyweight title as Alexandre Pantoja is forced out with a severe injury in a shocking championship twist at UFC 323.

Following his UFC Vegas 112 win over Brandon Royval, Manel Kape had some fiery words for flyweight champion Joshua Van.

LAS VEGAS – Manel Kape doesn't view new UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van as a difficult opponent. Even though the UFC 323 co-main event ended promptly due to an injury to Alexandre Pantoja just 26 seconds into the fight, Kape (21-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) views Van (16-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) as the rightful champion – even if the fight didn't play out normally.

Joshua Van addresses backlash over his celebration after Alexandre Pantoja’s injury at UFC 323, offering clarity on intent and emotions.

Welcome to the Manel Kape show. In case UFC fans didn't get the memo during the main event of UFC Vegas 112, Kape (22-7 MMA) put the division on notice with a first-round TKO against former flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval to put a bow on the 2025 promotional calendar.

Here's when to expect Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van to walk out to the cage for their flyweight title fight at UFC 323.

Pantoja suffered a catastrophic arm injury in the opening minutes of the fight

At just 24-years-old, Joshua Van is the second-youngest champion in UFC history. He is behind only Jon Jones for the accolade, and regardless of how he did it, Helwani noted that he used to sign cards declaring he would be champion by 2026.

Joshua Van wants to run things back with Alexandre Pantoja following his freak arm injury at UFC 323

Royval's high-octane loss to the current champ made him numerous fans, but now he has to rebound Saturday against Manel Kape.