UFC 317, set for later this month on Sat., June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, took a significant blow today with the cancellation of a No. 1 contender Flyweight bout between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. The reason? Kape fractured his foot during sparring.
“Starboy” shared a photo and video capturing the exact moment of the injury.
Along with sharing the video, Kape announced his withdrawal from UFC 317.
“With great regret, I come to inform you that I am out of the next UFC 317 competition,” Kape wrote. “I suffered a foot fracture during training, and after medical evaluation, I was instructed to have surgery and focus 100% on recovery.
It’s not easy to stay out of something I’ve been preparing for with so much dedication, and without a doubt, this would be the most advantageous fight of my career, but I understand that this is just another challenge on the way, and I trust the plans that Allah has for me!
I sincerely thank everyone who is with me – we remain firm, stronger with each obstacle. The battle was only postponed… I’ll be back soon!”
Despite the setback, Kape faced immediate fan criticism for pulling out, a recurring theme in his UFC tenure. He quickly clarified that this marks only his second withdrawal.
“I’ve suffered several injuries during training,” Kape wrote. I don’t think I’ve ever entered a fight without injury and 100% healthy, but pulling out the fight was never optional unless I can’t walk! Just to make it clear this is the second time I get out of a fight and for injuries that surgery is necessary!”
Thankfully, Flyweights will still compete at UFC 317 as Joshua Van has stepped up to take on Royval, in what should be a bonkers fight.
For the rest of the UFC 317 fight card and PPV lineup click here.