Joshua Van confirms Alexandre Pantoja as next opponent, dislikes his comments

Joshua Van has publicly confirmed that Alexandre Pantoja will be his next opponent in the UFC flyweight division, while making clear that he has taken issue with certain remarks the Brazilian veteran has made ahead of the anticipated meeting.

Van, known as "The Fearless," carries a 17-2 record and holds the flyweight championship at just 24 years old. The Myanmar-born fighter out of 4oz. Fight Club has established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the division, landing an extraordinary 8.84 significant strikes per minute at a 56 percent accuracy rate. Standing five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach, he operates out of an orthodox stance and has built his title reign on relentless offensive output.

Pantoja, nicknamed "The Cannibal," enters this matchup as the division's number-one contender and sits fourth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 36-year-old Brazilian holds a 30-6 record accumulated through years at American Top Team and brings a well-rounded game to the cage. He shares Van's five-foot-five frame but holds a two-inch reach advantage at 67 inches. Pantoja lands 4.36 significant strikes per minute while adding a far more active grappling dimension, averaging 2.8 takedowns and one submission attempt per 15 minutes.

Van indicated that a clash with Pantoja will resolve whatever tension has developed between the two fighters, and he expressed confidence heading into the matchup. No timeline or location for the bout has been announced.

Why it matters

• Van's extraordinary striking rate against Pantoja's takedown-heavy approach creates a compelling stylistic contrast
• A win for Pantoja would return the title to the former champion and validate his continued presence atop the division
• At 24, Van is one of the youngest champions in the UFC; a successful defense would further cement his status