Joshua Van & Manel Kape trade personal shots as UFC title feud heats up

UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van and Manel Kape have escalated their trash-talking campaign on social media, teasing a potential title showdown between the strikers.

Van recently defended his flyweight title for the second time at UFC 331 on September 19, earning a unanimous decision over former champion Alexandre Pantoja in their rematch. Kape, viewed as a leading contender for Van's next title defense, responded to the champion's online jabs with barbs of his own.

Van initiated the exchange by mocking Kape's weight, writing on X: "Yo fat f*ck. Start cutting now cuz u better make weight !! We don't want another weight excuse. Let's give the people what they want!!!" Kape fired back by referencing Van's past losses and invoking a father-figure dynamic: "Finally came out of hiding, son? They told me you weren't sure about facing your dad, but I guess there's nowhere left to run. I promised I'd change your diapers, & I always keep my word."

The two flyweights continued their exchange with increasingly personal shots, with Van questioning Kape's appearance and Kape doubling down on the diaper-themed insults. The back-and-forth indicates strong interest from both fighters in meeting inside the Octagon, and Van's recent title defense has positioned him as a champion with viable challengers waiting in the wings. Whether this verbal sparring translates into an official booking remains to be seen, but the feud has clearly captured the attention of the flyweight division's fanbase.