Joshua Van does not believe the injury that ended his fight with Alexandre Pantoja was accidental or lucky. Van explained that Pantoja threw an early low kick, which Van decided he wouldn't allow to happen again. When Pantoja attempted another kick, Van caught the leg and pushed him, at which point Pantoja broke his arm. Van expressed willingness to grant Pantoja a rematch once he heals, but emphasized he does not want to wait indefinitely. He stated his intention to remain an active champion and move forward with other challengers if necessary.
Joshua Van pushed back on any suggestion that fortune played a role in his flyweight title defense against Alexandre Pantoja, insisting the injury finish was the direct result of deliberate in-fight adjustments.
Van, 24, holds a 17-2 record and is the reigning UFC flyweight champion. The Myanmar native trains out of 4oz. Fight Club and has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in the 125-pound division, landing an extraordinary 8.84 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy. Despite his young age, he carries the composure of a seasoned champion inside the cage.
Pantoja, 36, entered the contest ranked first in the flyweight division and fourth pound-for-pound, carrying a 30-6 record built across a decorated career with American Top Team. The Brazilian is a well-rounded threat, averaging 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside one submission attempt per 15 minutes, making him one of the more complete fighters in the weight class.
Van recounted that Pantoja landed an early low kick and that he made a conscious decision in the moment not to allow it to happen a second time. When Pantoja attempted the same kick again, Van caught the leg, pushed him off, and Pantoja broke his arm in the process. Van was clear that the sequence was intentional awareness, not coincidence.
Why it matters
- Van retains the flyweight title and immediately positions himself as an active, dominant champion
- Pantoja, the top-ranked contender and former pound-for-pound standout, faces a recovery timeline that clouds the rematch picture
- Van acknowledged openness to a rematch but signaled he will not hold the division in place indefinitely, meaning other top contenders could move up the queue
Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja
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