UFC champion Joshua Van is eager for his first title defense, but the question remains: who will he face? Van, who secured the 125-pound title in a record-breaking 26 seconds via injury TKO against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323, is now seeking a worthy opponent.
Manel Kape, a former title challenger, recently scored a first-round TKO of Brandon Royval at the UFC on ESPN 73 main event. Kape then issued a challenge to Van, inviting him to a potential showdown on the UFC Fight Night 267 card in Houston on February 21. However, there's a twist to this tale.
Van revealed that Kape turned him down at some point, leaving the champ in a bit of a predicament. When pressed for details, Van remained tight-lipped, but he emphasized that he's not the one who's running away from the fight. He stated, 'One guy is running.'
With Pantoja's recovery and Tatsuro Taira's presence in the mix, Van's first title defense is now uncertain. He expressed his hope for a future match with Kape, but for now, it seems the champ is left with a challenging decision to make.
The story of Van's potential title defense is a fascinating one, leaving fans and analysts alike intrigued. Will Van find a new opponent, or will Kape eventually step up to the plate? The UFC's ever-evolving landscape promises an exciting journey ahead.
