Manel Kape Backs Joshua Van over Tatsuro Taira for UFC 327
Manel Kape has expressed confidence in champion Joshua Van ahead of the flyweight title fight. The co-headliner between Van and Tatsuro Taira is set for UFC 327 at Kaseya Center in Miami on April 11.
Kape’s assessment
In an interview with Filmogaz.com, Kape explained his reasoning. He argued a challenger must press forward with striking and show sustained aggression to beat Van.
Kape pointed to Van’s takedown defense against Rei Tsuruya as a key example. He said Taira appears less aggressive on the feet, and stronger on the ground.
Recent form and stakes
Van captured the UFC flyweight title by defeating Alexandre Pantoja. That bout ended after Pantoja suffered an injury 26 seconds into the fight.
Van is riding a six-fight winning streak that includes victories over Pantoja, Brandon Royval, and Bruno Gustavo da Silva. Taira arrives off a TKO win over former 125-pound champion Brandon Moreno.
A win for Taira at UFC 327 would make him the first Japanese-born fighter to claim a UFC title. The historical stakes add extra significance to the co-main event.
Kape’s own schedule
Kape had hoped to be in the title picture but will not fight for the belt at UFC 327. He is booked for a rematch with Kyoji Horiguchi on June 20.
Manel Kape backs Joshua Van as his pick in the matchup with Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327. Do you agree with Kape’s assessment? Share your thoughts in the comments below on Filmogaz.com.
