Manel Kape is predicting a dominant performance against flyweight champion Joshua Van as the two prepare to headline UFC 336 on Jan. 30 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Kape enters the championship matchup carrying strong momentum with four consecutive stoppage victories.
Analyzing the Champion
Van secured his title position following a successful defense against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, which followed their initial meeting at UFC 323. Reviewing that contest, Kape told MMA Junkie that Pantoja simply fought too emotionally and made critical errors. While acknowledging Van’s resilience, durability, and boxing skills, Kape noted that he observed numerous defensive and tactical holes that he plans to exploit.
Kape stated that his strategy for the upcoming bout is straightforward, pointing to Van’s relative lack of experience in the sport as a vulnerability opponents have failed to capitalize on. Although Kape acknowledged that Van enjoys engaging in brawls, he emphasized that he intends to control the speed and rhythm of the contest entirely.
“The game plan is very easy,” Kape said. “I know a lot of mistakes he had for the lack of experience, for not being too long in this sport, and I just think that so many guys didn’t exploit that.”
Kape added that he can match Van’s striking but possesses deeper foundational knowledge and instincts that will allow him to alter the tempo at will, potentially leading to an early finish and a frustrating night for the champion.
Addressing the Champion’s Confidence
While Van successfully provoked Pantoja ahead of their rematch, Kape remains unimpressed by the champion’s current mindset and status.
“Of course, having the belt gives you a different confidence, but don’t come with that confidence with me because it’s going to be very delusional confidence,” Kape said. “Because you’re going to fight a better man, a better fighter than you with more experience. Anything you do, I do better. Honestly, I see him like my fan. He tries to be a version of Manel. He’s my fan, but I’ll show levels.”
