Voltar
Arguably the biggest grudge match in flyweight title history will serve as the UFC 336 co-main event.
Champion Joshua Van will seek a third defense of his belt just 13 months after winning it when he takes on streaking knockout artist Manel Kape in the co-headliner of the Jan. 30 event at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (Paramount+).
The announcement for Van (18-2 MMA, 11-1 UFC) vs. Kape (23-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC) at UFC 336 was made during Saturday's UFC 333 broadcast in Abu Dhabi.
Van, No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie flyweight rankings, silenced any skepticism about his title reign in September when he outworked former longtime titleholder Alexandre Pantoja for a decision in their UFC 331 rematch. Prior to that, the 25-year-old defended gold vs. Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 in May in a Fight of the Year contender.
Looking to end Van's reign will be No. 2-ranked Kape, who has been on a tear with four straight knockout victories. The 32-year-old has put Kyoji Horiguchi, Brandon Royval, Asu Almabayev and Bruno Silva to solidify his first chance at UFC gold.
Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales – for interim welterweight title
Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape – for flyweight title