New flyweight champion Joshua Van does not believe Alexandre Pantoja's injury during their fight was accidental or lucky. Van explained that after Pantoja landed an early low kick, he anticipated the next one, caught the leg, pushed Pantoja, and the injury occurred at that moment. Van stated he wants a rematch with Pantoja but won't wait indefinitely while the former champion recovers. He emphasized his desire to be an active champion and is ready to move on to the next contender rather than remain idle. Van expressed his intention to fight everyone in the division.
Joshua Van has made clear he views his flyweight title victory over Alexandre Pantoja as anything but fortunate, rejecting any suggestion that the injury which derailed the former champion was a product of chance.
Van, who now holds the UFC flyweight title at just 24 years old, explained the sequence in precise detail. After Pantoja landed an early low kick, Van said he read the pattern, anticipated the follow-up, caught the leg, and applied pressure — and the injury happened in that moment. In his telling, it was anticipation and execution, not misfortune.
The new champion out of Myanmar carries a 17-2 record and represents one of the more striking-heavy forces in the flyweight division, landing an exceptional 8.84 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy. Fighting out of 4oz. Fight Club, Van stands five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach.
Pantoja, 36, enters this period as a former champion sitting at number one in the divisional rankings and fourth in the pound-for-pound standings. The Brazilian trains out of American Top Team and owns a 30-6 record built on well-rounded pressure fighting, averaging 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a consistent submission threat.
Van indicated he remains open to a rematch with Pantoja but will not hold the division in place indefinitely while his predecessor recovers. He stressed his intention to stay active and fight his way through the contender pool rather than sit idle waiting for one fight to materialize.
Why it matters
- Van's stance signals the flyweight title picture could move quickly, with contenders in line if Pantoja's return is delayed
- A rematch between the two would carry significant stakes given the unresolved nature of the finish
- Van's elite striking output against Pantoja's grappling-heavy style sets up one of the division's more compelling style contrasts if the rematch is booked
Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja
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