UFC 336 is shaping up to be one of the biggest mixed martial arts events of early 2027, with flyweight champion Joshua Van preparing to defend his championship against No. 2-ranked contender Manel Kape. The highly anticipated showdown will headline the UFC’s return to Toronto, Canada, on January 30, 2027.
The Joshua Van vs Manel Kape matchup brings together two explosive fighters with contrasting styles and plenty of motivation. Van will look to continue his championship run, while Kape gets another opportunity to capture UFC gold after building an impressive record in the flyweight division.
The event will take place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The main card is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM ET, with the preliminary card starting at 7:00 PM ET and early prelims getting underway at 5:00 PM ET.
Adding further excitement to the event, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will compete for the interim UFC welterweight championship in the co-main event.
With two championship fights scheduled, UFC 336 has the potential to produce significant changes in two divisions.
UFC 336 date, venue and start time
UFC 336: Van vs Kape will take place on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
Here are the scheduled broadcast timings:
| Event session | Start time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Early prelims | 5:00 PM |
| Prelims | 7:00 PM |
| Main card | 9:00 PM |
The Joshua Van vs Manel Kape championship fight will headline the main card and is expected to take place after the earlier main-card contests.
The exact walkout time for the main event will depend on the duration of the preceding fights.
Where to watch UFC 336 live?
UFC 336 will be available through the UFC’s official broadcast partners, with viewing options depending on the country.
In the United States, fans can watch the complete event live on Paramount+. The platform carries UFC numbered events and Fight Nights as part of its subscription service, without the traditional additional pay-per-view purchase.
UFC Fight Pass also provides access to early preliminary coverage and the promotion’s extensive fight library, subject to regional availability.
In other countries, local broadcasting arrangements may differ. Fans should check their regional UFC broadcast listings closer to fight night to confirm the available channel or streaming platform.
Joshua Van vs Manel Kape: Tale of the tape
The main event will feature two fighters with identical listed heights but different physical advantages.
Van enters the contest with an 18-2-0 professional record, while Kape brings a 23-7-0 record. Both fighters are coming off victories in their most recent appearances.
Here is the complete comparison ahead of their flyweight championship contest.
| Fighter statistics | Joshua Van | Manel Kape |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 18-2-0 | 23-7-0 |
| Last fight | Win | Win |
| Country | Myanmar | Angola-born, represents Portugal |
| Height | 5’5″ | 5’5″ |
| Weight | 124.50 lb | 126.00 lb |
| Reach | 65 inches | 68 inches |
| Leg reach | 35 inches | 39 inches |
One of the most interesting details is Kape’s reach advantage. Although both fighters stand at 5 feet 5 inches, Kape has a three-inch advantage in reach and four inches in leg reach.
That difference could become important during exchanges, particularly if Kape manages to control the distance and land his counterstrikes.
Van, however, has demonstrated that he can overcome physical disadvantages through pressure, volume and relentless combinations.
Joshua Van aims to continue his championship run
Joshua Van has quickly become one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC flyweight division.
Born in Myanmar, Van has developed an impressive reputation for his aggressive approach, high striking output and ability to maintain pressure throughout a fight.
With an 18-2-0 professional record, the champion has already established himself among the division’s leading competitors.
His recent victories over Tatsuro Taira and former champion Alexandre Pantoja have further strengthened his position at the top of the division.
The challenge against Manel Kape will be another important test of his championship credentials.
Van will likely look to use his pace, combinations and forward pressure to prevent Kape from establishing his preferred striking distance.
A successful title defence would further strengthen his reputation as one of the leading names in the UFC’s 125-pound division.
Manel Kape gets another opportunity to capture UFC gold
Manel Kape enters UFC 336 with a professional record of 23 wins and seven losses.
Born in Angola and representing Portugal, Kape has developed into one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the flyweight division.
Known as StarBoy, he combines explosive movement, accurate counterstriking and impressive finishing ability.
His recent victories over established contenders Brandon Royval and Kyoji Horiguchi have helped him secure this championship opportunity.
Kape also has a physical advantage over Van in terms of reach and leg reach. His ability to use those advantages while avoiding Van’s pressure could be one of the deciding factors in the fight.
For Kape, this is more than another appearance inside the Octagon. It is an opportunity to become UFC flyweight champion and reach a major milestone in his professional career.
The rivalry between the two fighters has also attracted attention, with both competitors exchanging challenges before finally getting the opportunity to settle their differences inside the cage.
Carlos Prates vs Michael Morales: Interim welterweight title fight
The co-main event will feature another important championship contest as Carlos Prates takes on Michael Morales for the interim UFC welterweight title.
Brazilian contender Prates has established himself as a dangerous striker with significant knockout power. His victories over former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena have helped him move into championship contention.
Morales, representing Ecuador, brings an impressive undefeated professional record of 19-0 into the contest.
The matchup presents an interesting contrast in styles. Prates will look to use his striking power and finishing ability, while Morales will aim to continue his unbeaten run and establish himself as the division’s next major champion.
The winner will earn a significant opportunity to pursue the undisputed welterweight championship currently held by Islam Makhachev.
UFC 336 fight card
Two championship matchups have been announced for the Toronto event.
Main event – Flyweight championship
- Joshua Van (C) vs Manel Kape (#2)
Co-main event – Interim welterweight championship
- Carlos Prates (#2) vs Michael Morales (#3)
The UFC is expected to announce additional fights as the event approaches. The full lineup remains subject to change.
What to expect from UFC 336?
The Joshua Van vs Manel Kape fight is particularly interesting because both competitors have the ability to finish opponents on their feet.
Van’s biggest strength is his pressure and striking volume, while Kape has the reach advantage, explosive counters and knockout power.
The key question will be whether Van can make the fight uncomfortable with his relentless pace or whether Kape can use his distance management to land the more damaging shots.
The co-main event adds another major storyline, with Prates and Morales competing for an interim championship and a potential future opportunity against the undisputed champion.
With two title fights, an established rivalry and several high-level contenders involved, UFC 336 promises an exciting night of mixed martial arts.
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