Sports · Combat Sports · 3 hrs ago
Kape Takes Van's Belt During UFC Press Conference No-Show
Manel Kape took Joshua Van’s belt during a UFC press conference in New York after Van failed to appear on time.
Van is the UFC flyweight champion, and Kape is set to challenge him for the title.
The bout will headline UFC 336 in January 2027 and is scheduled as Van’s third title defense.
Van became champion after Alexandre Pantoja was injured, then strengthened his standing with two successful defenses.
Kape joked about Van’s absence and kept the belt on his table during the event.
Van arrived later and reclaimed the belt after the press conference’s face-offs.
Manel Kape took UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van’s belt during a joint press conference in New York City after Van was absent.
Kape kept the title on his table until Van arrived after the face-offs and took it back.
The pair are scheduled to meet in the UFC 336 main event in January 2027.
Kape questioned Van’s absence and made jokes about him from the stage.
The press conference also featured fighters promoting UFC 335 and UFC 336.
- Who
- Manel Kape and UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van.
- What
- Kape took Van’s title belt during a press conference while Van was absent, then Van took it back after arriving.
- When
- Friday, November 13, 2026.
- Where
- New York City.
- Why
- The press conference promoted UFC 335 and UFC 336. The reason for Van’s absence is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An injury to Alexandre Pantoja started Van’s title reign.
Van beat Pantoja in their UFC 331 rematch.
Kape took Van’s belt during a joint press conference in New York City.
Van arrived and took the belt back from Kape.
Van is scheduled to defend his title against Kape in the UFC 336 main event.
- Champion
- Joshua Van
- Challenger
- Manel Kape
- Title
- UFC flyweight championship, 125 pounds
- Press conference location
- New York City
- Scheduled fight
- UFC 336 main event in January 2027
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What people are saying
Dana, what the f—, you forget the address for the school bus?
Where is my son? I don’t see my son here
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Manel Kape to Dana White after Joshua Van didn't show up on time to the #UFC336 press conference: "Dana, what the f**k. You forget the address for the school bus? Where's my son?" [ #UFC336 Jan 30 | LIVE on @paramountplus ]