Joshua Van confirms Alexandre Pantoja as next opponent

Flyweight champion Joshua Van has publicly confirmed that Alexandre Pantoja will be his next opponent, adding that he has taken issue with recent comments made by the Brazilian contender and that a rematch is the right way to settle their differences.

Van, known as "The Fearless," holds the flyweight title at just 24 years old, making him one of the youngest champions in the division's history. The fighter from Myanmar trains out of 4oz. Fight Club and carries a record of 17-2-0. His striking output is among the most prolific in the division, averaging 8.84 significant strikes landed per minute at a 56 percent accuracy rate, figures that underline his aggressive, pressure-based style.

Pantoja, nicknamed "The Cannibal," enters as the division's top-ranked contender and sits fourth in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings. The 36-year-old Brazilian, who trains at American Top Team, brings a record of 30-6-0 and a well-rounded game built on consistent grappling pressure. He averages 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes and adds 1 submission attempt per 15 minutes, giving him a distinct pathway to victory on the ground. At 67 inches, he also holds a two-inch reach advantage over the champion.

Why it matters

• Van's championship reign gets its first major test in this rematch, with the flyweight title on the line
• Pantoja's top contender status and pound-for-pound ranking make this the most significant flyweight bout the UFC can make
• The stylistic contrast is sharp — Van's elite striking volume against Pantoja's takedown-heavy grappling attack sets up a clear chess match
• Van's public acknowledgment of tension stemming from Pantoja's comments adds an edge that could elevate interest in the bout