Van vs. Kape UFC Odds Open As Pick 'Em Fight

Joshua Van's first flyweight title defense is expected to land as a pure toss-up.

BetOnline opened Van at -108 against challenger Manel Kape at -112 for their early 2027 clash, MMA Mania reports. Van captured the belt from Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 in Los Angeles last month, erasing doubts from their first meeting at UFC 323 in late 2025.

Kape Predicts Easy Work Against Van

Kape, who sits at No. 1 in the flyweight rankings, posted on social media that Van presents an ideal matchup. "The perfect style for me to paint a masterpiece," the 32-year-old challenger wrote. "You're all going to be surprised by how easy I make this fight look."

The Angolan fighter also claims he will rehydrate to 160 pounds on fight night. Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier told his YouTube audience that Kape carries genuine knockout power rarely seen in the flyweight division. "That's the difference," Cormier said. "Manel can knock him out if he gets the opportunity."

Van, 24, holds an 18-2 record and earned Fight of the Night honours in his title-winning performance against Pantoja. Kape enters at 23-7 and replaces Pantoja at the top of the contender rankings. The fight date and venue have not been announced.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Pick ‘em! UFC odds open for Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape and the betting line is deadlocked