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

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.

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

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

As for Dvalishvili, he falls to his lowest ranking in ages, settling in at No. 8, tied with two-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Time off could do the dogged Dvalishvili good and I’d wager this time next year he’ll be fighting for top 5 consideration again.

Joshua Van may not have won the UFC flyweight title the way he had hoped, but the newly crowned 125-pound king is ready and willing to defend his strap right away. Last weekend, Van put the finishing touches on his flyweight ascension by knocking off UFC champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 in Las Vegas,

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.

What should happen with Joshua Van's first defense after claiming the title from Alexandre Pantoja in unprecedented fashion at UFC 323?