**Manel Kape holds a dominant 94% implied probability in the market as the consensus next opponent for UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van.** Following Van’s unanimous decision victory over Alexandre Pantoja in their September 19, 2026 rematch at UFC 331, Kape has emerged as the clear #1 contender after a five-fight win streak that includes four consecutive knockouts. Public exchanges between the fighters, including Van’s direct callout referencing weight concerns and Kape’s statements about making the bout look easy, have reinforced expectations for an early 2027 title clash. Other names remain possibilities only if injuries, a missed weight cut, or UFC matchmaking shifts the timeline.