Sean O'Malley backs Joshua Van as future great, floats Manel Kape next
The short version
- Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331.
- Sean O'Malley called Van one of his favorite fighters to watch and predicted all-time-great status.
- O'Malley suggested Manel Kape as a possible next opponent for Van.
- O'Malley cited Tatsuro Taira and Pantoja as opponents who gave Van tough fights.
Former UFC star Sean O'Malley called Joshua Van one of his favorite fighters to watch and suggested Manel Kape as a fitting next opponent.
Sean O'Malley has added his voice to the chorus praising UFC flyweight Joshua Van following the fighter's dominant victory over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331. Van, 24, has drawn widespread attention across the sport for his striking and his willingness to stay active.
In comments discussing Van's future, O'Malley said the young flyweight ranks among the fighters he most enjoys watching and predicted a historic career. He said Van will go down as the greatest flyweight of all time and potentially one of the best pound-for-pound fighters ever, noting the significance of beating a dangerous opponent like Pantoja at 24.
Asked about a possible next opponent, O'Malley pointed to Manel Kape. He observed that Tatsuro Taira and Pantoja both pushed Van hard, and said Kape is capable of providing a similar test, calling the potential matchup a fun and exciting flyweight title fight.
O'Malley added that despite the challenges ahead, he believes beating Van will be a difficult task for anyone in the division.
