Manel Kape is out of his title eliminator fight against Brandon Royval at UFC 317.
Kape (21-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) was scheduled to face former flyweight title challenger Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on June 28. However, "Starboy" announced on social media Monday that he has withdrawn from the bout due to injury.
"With great regret, I come to inform you that I am out of the upcoming UFC 317 competition," Kape wrote on Instagram and X. "I suffered a foot fracture during training, and after a medical evaluation, I was instructed to undergo surgery and focus 100% on recovery. It’s not easy to step away from something I’ve been preparing for with such dedication, and without a doubt, this would have been the most advantageous fight of my career. But I understand this is just another challenge along the way, and I trust in the plans Allah has for me."
Although the UFC has yet to make an official announcement, it has been widely reported that Joshua Van (14-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) will step in to face Royval following his win over Bruno Silva at UFC 316 last weekend—something Royval appeared to confirm.
"Manel Kape is out, Joshua Van is stepping in," Royval said on Instagram. "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 who’s ready to take my head off and earn his name off me."
Van’s victory over Silva last Saturday marked his fourth consecutive win at 125 pounds, a streak that has vaulted the Myanmar native into the top ten of the UFC’s flyweight rankings.
Royval last challenged for the flyweight title in December 2023, when he was outpointed by reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja over five rounds. Since then, "Raw Dawg" has earned back-to-back split decision wins over Brandon Moreno and Tatsuro Taira, putting him on the brink of another title shot.
UFC 317 is set to go down at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by a lightweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. In the co-main event, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will put his belt on the line against Kai Kara-France.
