Pantoja's former opponent challenges the new champion after his victory at UFC Vegas 112.

Manel Kape during an interview inside the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After knocking out Brandon Royval in less than five minutes in the early hours of this Sunday (14) at UFC Vegas 112, Manel Kape knew how to capitalize on the moment by challenging the new flyweight champion (56,7 kg.) Joshua Van right in the interview inside the octagon. The Portuguese has three consecutive wins in the biggest MMA organization in the world and should become the second ranked fighter in the division next Tuesday (16).

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In a chat with Michael Bisping , the former Rizin champion wasted no time and made a point of challenging the Burmese fighter, recently crowned champion after Alexandre Pantoja 's bizarre injury at UFC 323. He recalled the circumstances under which Van got the opportunity to fight for the belt.

“ Joshua Van , you said Brandon Royval was going to beat me. You replaced me, and now you have my belt. If I hadn’t broken my foot in July, I would be the champion right now. Now I’m here. I’m your daddy. I’m going to take your diapers off live on Paramount,” he stated.

Originally, the Portuguese and the American were scheduled to face each other at UFC 317 , but Kape was forced to withdraw due to an injury. Van replaced him and won the fight by unanimous decision, becoming the number one contender in the division and subsequently the new champion.

X-ray of Manel Kape 's foot . Photo: Reproduction Instagram/manelkape

Kape wants to fight in Joshua Van's "home"

Manel Kape defeated Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 112. Photo: UFC News / Twitter

He also spoke about the Burmese fighter's desire to defend his title for the first time in Houston, Texas, where he trains. Moving away from Dana White's idea of ​​an event in Japan, he didn't object to facing him on American soil.

“Be ready. You said you want to fight in Houston, right? We’ll fight there in February or whenever you want. Houston is my city, my first UFC win was there. Be ready because Manel Kape is here, to hunt and be champion. Nobody can deny me the belt. I am the best,” he concluded.

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