Joshua Van Rematches Alexandre Pantoja

Joshua Van confirmed his position as flyweight champion by defeating Alexandre Pantoja via unanimous decision at UFC 331. The bout, held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, was marked by Van's near-perfect takedown defense and high-level striking combinations.

Flyweight Title Rematch

Van and Pantoja met again after their first encounter in 2025, when Van claimed the belt in 26 seconds due to a Pantoja arm injury. In 2026, in Van's first defense, he defeated Tatsuro Taira by knockout in the fifth round, solidifying his position.

Joshua Van's Performance at UFC 331

Throughout the five rounds, Van defended most of Pantoja's takedown attempts and dominated the stand-up combat. He sustained a cut from an accidental headbutt but continued to press forward. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Van, with scores of 49-46, 49-47, and 50-45.

Impact on the Flyweight Division

With the victory, Van remains at the top of the division and holds an 18-2 overall record. Pantoja, now 30-7, suffered his second consecutive loss, signaling a possible phase of decline.

Joshua Van's Post-Fight Reaction

After the bout, Van stated that he respects Pantoja, calling him a “tough motherf*cker, man” and that he has no idea how Pantoja avoided his arm submission.

Upcoming Challenges for Joshua Van

Van will face opponents like Manel Kape in future title opportunities, while the division remains strong with the performance of both fighters.

With information from MMA Fighting, Bleacher Report.