Flyweight contender Joshua Van has stated that Alexandre Pantoja is his next opponent. Van expressed displeasure with some of the Brazilian champion's recent statements. He believes a rematch will settle all matters between them. Van previously challenged Pantoja for the title. Further details about the timing or location of the rematch have not been disclosed.
Flyweight champion Joshua Van has publicly confirmed that Alexandre Pantoja will be his next title defense, while also making clear he has taken issue with recent remarks made by the Brazilian contender.
Van, known as "The Fearless," carries a 17-2 record and holds the flyweight title at just 24 years of age, making him one of the youngest champions on the roster. The Myanmar-born fighter out of 4oz. Fight Club stands five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach and has been one of the division's most active strikers, landing 8.84 significant strikes per minute at a 56 percent accuracy rate. The two fighters have already met once before, with Van having previously challenged Pantoja for the belt.
Pantoja, nicknamed "The Cannibal," enters the rematch as the number-one ranked flyweight and sits fourth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Brazilian veteran holds a 30-6 record and brings considerably more experience at 36 years old, representing American Top Team. He carries a two-inch reach advantage over Van at 67 inches and is a well-rounded threat, averaging 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside one submission attempt per 15 minutes. His striking output sits at 4.36 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy.
Van stated that a rematch will settle all outstanding business between the two men, and made no effort to hide his frustration with some of Pantoja's recent public comments.
Why it matters
- Van is the reigning flyweight champion defending against the division's top-ranked challenger, meaning the title is directly on the line
- A rematch adds significant narrative weight given their prior meeting and the apparent personal friction between them
- Stylistically, Van's elite striking volume clashes with Pantoja's grappling-heavy, submission-minded approach, setting up a compelling contrast
- No date or location for the bout has been announced
Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja
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