UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape`s pursuit of a title shot hit a significant obstacle just before his scheduled appearance at UFC 317.
Manel Kape and former UFC title challenger Brandon Royval were slated for a pivotal number one contender clash at UFC 317 later this month. Both fighters are aiming for an opportunity against UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who will compete against Kai Kara-France in the co-main event of the same card.
However, weeks ahead of UFC 317, misfortune struck during Kape`s training camp. While sparring at Xtreme Couture, Kape sustained a broken right foot, compelling him to withdraw from the upcoming bout with Royval.
This injury represents a major setback for Kape`s title aspirations, especially after his recent momentum, including a main event victory over Asu Almabayev earlier this year.
Manel Kape Details Foot Break Ahead of Scheduled UFC 317 Return
In a recent post on social media, Kape addressed his followers regarding his withdrawal from UFC 317.
Kape stated, “I suffered a foot fracture during the training & after medical evaluation, I was instructed to have surgery & focus 100% on recovery. It’s not easy to stay out of something I’ve been preparing for with so much dedication, and without a doubt this would be the most advantageous fight of my career but I understand that this is just another challenge on the way and I trust the plans that Allah has for me!”
Within the same post, Kape shared graphic video footage capturing the exact moment he broke his foot during sparring while preparing for UFC 317. A clear `crunch` sound is audible shortly after Kape delivers a right leg kick to his training partner.
At this time, the exact duration of Kape`s recovery and subsequent sideline remains uncertain. This injury marks the 11th instance of a scheduled UFC fight involving Kape being canceled during his tenure with the promotion.
Despite the setback, Kape had been in good form, securing back-to-back victories since his loss to Muhammad Mokaev at UFC 304 last July. He scored a knockout win over Bruno Silva at UFC Tampa, followed by his main event triumph against Almabayev.
With Kape out, Brandon Royval will now face a surging contender who recently competed at UFC 316.
UFC 316 Standout Joshua Van Steps Up to Face Brandon Royval at UFC 317
Joshua Van has agreed to step in on short notice to replace the injured Kape and face Brandon Royval on the UFC 317 main card later this month. Van is coming off a knockout win over Bruno Silva at UFC 316 just last Saturday, further accelerating the 23-year-old`s rapid ascent in the flyweight division.
Van, who holds the distinction of being the first fighter born in Myanmar to compete in the UFC, has compiled four consecutive victories since a loss to Charles Johnson last July. His UFC record stands at 7-1, with recent wins over notable opponents including Rei Tsuruya, Cody Durden, and Zhalgas Zhumagulov.
A potential victory over a top contender like Royval would likely position Van strongly for a future title shot against the winner of the championship bout between Pantoja and Kara-France.
Percy Harlow