Manel Kape won’t be fighting Brandon Royval as expected at UFC 317, but the consolation prize isn’t too bad.
Kape revealed on Monday that a fractured foot that will require surgery has forced him out of the June 28 flyweight bout against Royval. As a result, Joshua Van will step in against the former 125-pound title challenger. Both Royval and Van announced the new booking on social media, but the bout has not been officially confirmed by the promotion.
“Manel Kape is out, Joshua Van is stepping in,” Royval said on Instagram.