Brandon Royval, a former title challenger and top-ranked flyweight contender, was set to face No. 6 ranked Manel Kape at UFC 317 on June 28, coinciding with the UFC's annual International Fight Week. However, Kape has been forced out of the match for undisclosed reasons. In his place, rising prospect Joshua Van will take on Royval.
Royval announced this significant change in his fight lineup via social media on Monday. He directly addressed the situation in a video post, expressing his excitement for the new matchup. “Manel Kape is out, Joshua Van is stepping in,” Royval stated. “I have zero idea of the extent of Manel Kape’s injuries but I do know I have the hottest prospect and probably the most exciting UFC flyweight in front of me. Really nothing changes for me as far as what’s in front of me. I’ve got a gangster that’s ready to take my head off and earn his name off of me. I appreciate the matchup.”
Royval comes into this fight with impressive momentum, having won five of his last six matchups. His latest victory was a decision win over former two-time champion Brandon Moreno. Known as “Raw Dawg,” Royval is also coming off a tactical decision win against Tatsuro Taira last October. This bout at UFC 317 presents another opportunity for him to solidify his place among the division’s elite.
On the flip side, Joshua Van enters the Octagon with a surge of confidence, riding a four-fight winning streak. Most recently, he faced off against Bruno Silva on UFC 316, where he delivered a knockout in the featured preliminary fight. This opportunity against Royval not only allows Van to showcase his skills but also provides a chance to jump up the rankings and solidify himself as a serious contender in the flyweight division.
UFC 317 is set to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event promises an exciting card, headlined by two world title bouts. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will move up to the lightweight division to challenge former titleholder Charles Oliveira for the newly vacant 155-pound title. Additionally, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will defend his title against No. 4 ranked Kai Kara-France in the co-main event, making this a must-watch event for combat sports fans.
This matchup between Royval and Van is highly anticipated. With both fighters looking to advance their careers, fans can expect a thrilling battle in the flyweight division. UFC 317 is shaping up to be a memorable event, and you won't want to miss the action that unfolds in Las Vegas.
