Joshua Van Retains UFC Flyweight Title Over Pantoja in Dominant Rematch

Joshua Van successfully defended his UFC flyweight championship against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 in Los Angeles on September 19, 2026, winning by unanimous decision after 25 minutes of intense competition. The 24-year-old champion from Myanmar defeated Pantoja with judges' scorecards reading 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45, establishing himself as the clear best in the division after their controversial first meeting in December 2025.

The rematch was far more decisive than their initial encounter, which Van won when Pantoja suffered an accidental arm dislocation just 26 seconds into the fight. Pantoja came aggressively in the opening round, securing an early takedown and reaching mount position, but Van escaped and maintained composure throughout. The Brazilian challenger attempted multiple takedowns and submission sequences across all five rounds, with Van displaying strong defensive wrestling and consistent reversals whenever taken down.

Van's striking proved increasingly decisive as the fight progressed. His hand speed and precision jabs dominated the second and third rounds, where he peppered Pantoja with combinations and sharp counter-punches. In the fourth round, Pantoja controlled the ground position but generated minimal offensive output. Van delivered a powerful knockdown in the final round with an overhand right, and though Pantoja survived, Van's control and striking combinations secured a convincing victory on all three scorecards.

Post-fight, Van praised Pantoja's toughness and mental resilience, crediting the Brazilian for escaping a late submission attempt that Van believed was inescapable. "Pantoja is a great fighter, one of the greatest of all time in my eyes," Van said. "He is a mental giant. He just doesn't want to fall and doesn't want to show that he's hurt." Van extended his professional MMA record to 18 wins and 2 losses, with this marking his second title defense following a fifth-round knockout victory over Tatsuro Taira in May 2026. At 24 years old, Van holds the distinction of being the first UFC champion born in the 2000s.