Van Rips UFC: Still No Title Defense Booked

UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van expressed frustration with the promotion for not scheduling his first title defense three events into 2026, amid the new Paramount partnership. UFC prioritizes other title bouts like Volkanovski-Lopes at UFC 325 and Gaethje-Pimblett, while Van awaits Alexandre Pantoja's return from a December arm injury at UFC 323. Dana White favors an immediate Van-Pantoja rematch once cleared, but Manel Kape lurks as #2 contender on a three-fight win streak. This delay affects flyweight momentum, potentially stalling Van's reign. Expect booking clarity soon if Pantoja's timeline firms up or Kape pushes forward.[4]