Joshua Van expressed surprise at Alexandre Pantoja's recent comments about their UFC 328 bout. Van explained that during face-offs he approached Pantoja respectfully to shake hands, noting they are opponents rather than enemies. Van was shocked by Pantoja's post-fight statements, clarifying he didn't see the hand injury until after celebrating his victory, at which point both fighters exchanged apologies. However, Pantoja later posted videos suggesting Van was lucky and that it was destiny for the outcome. Van maintains deep respect for Pantoja as a champion but questions why the Brazilian continues discussing the incident in interviews, noting that as a black belt, Pantoja should know proper falling technique to avoid such injuries.
Joshua Van has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his UFC 328 victory over Alexandre Pantoja, pushing back on the former champion's post-fight narrative in comments made days after their May 9 bout.
Van, 24, holds a 17-2 record and now stands as the reigning UFC flyweight champion representing Myanmar out of 4oz. Fight Club. One of the most active strikers in the division, he lands 8.84 significant strikes per minute at a 56 percent accuracy rate. In addressing the controversy, Van said he approached Pantoja during face-offs with respect, viewing the Brazilian as an opponent rather than an enemy. He stated he was unaware of Pantoja's hand injury until after his celebration had concluded, at which point both men exchanged apologies.
Pantoja, 36, enters the post-fight period carrying a 30-6 record and had been ranked first in the flyweight division and fourth pound-for-pound heading into the contest. A well-rounded veteran fighting out of American Top Team, he averages 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands one submission attempt per 15 minutes, making him one of the more complete fighters the division has seen. Despite those credentials, Van expressed genuine puzzlement at the continued attention Pantoja is giving the incident, noting that the Brazilian has since posted videos suggesting the outcome owed more to fortune than skill.
Why it matters
- Van's status as flyweight champion gives his words weight, and any prolonged public dispute could shape the narrative around a potential rematch
- Pantoja's pound-for-pound ranking and divisional standing at number one make him the most logical title challenger, meaning this war of words carries real stakes
- Van's pointed remark that a black belt should understand proper falling technique to prevent injury adds a technical dimension to what began as a sportsmanship dispute
Van closed by reaffirming respect for Pantoja's accomplishments as a champion while questioning why the conversation has continued to resurface in interviews rather than being left in the octagon.
Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja
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Saturday, May 9, 2026
