Joshua Van is one of the UFC's most explosive flyweight champions, and he's predicting a violent rematch with Pantoja. Nicknamed The Fearless, the 24-year-old became the second-youngest champion in UFC history in mixed martial arts, dethroning Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 in December 2025 after a freak elbow injury ended the fight in just 26 seconds. Ahead of their UFC 331 rematch on September 20, 2026, Van predicted either a submission or knockout, saying it's gonna be a banger, man, make sure you guys tune in and watch me whoop his ass. Van has also mocked Pantoja's trash talk, declaring as far as I check, I'm his dad. Known for relentless volume and ferocious composure, Van remains one of combat sports' most confident young champions.
Joshua Van is making no secret of what he expects when he steps back into the Octagon against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 on September 20, 2026 — and subtlety is not part of the plan.
The 24-year-old flyweight champion from Myanmar, nicknamed The Fearless, captured the belt at UFC 323 in December 2025 when a freak elbow injury ended Pantoja's night just 26 seconds into the fight. That abrupt finish left plenty of unfinished business, and Van has been vocal about how he expects the rematch to play out. He predicted either a submission or knockout, calling it "a banger" and promising to "whoop his ass." He has also responded to Pantoja's trash talk with characteristic swagger, declaring himself "his dad." Van carries an 18-2-0 record and lands an extraordinary 8.26 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate — figures that place him among the most prolific offensive flyweights in the promotion's history. He stands five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach and trains out of 4oz. Fight Club.
Pantoja, the Brazilian veteran nicknamed The Cannibal, enters the rematch at 30-7-0 and currently sits at number one in the flyweight rankings and fourth on the pound-for-pound list. At 36, he brings a wealth of championship experience and a well-rounded offensive game to the cage, averaging 2.82 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.9 submission attempts over the same span. He trains out of American Top Team and shares the same five-foot-five height as Van, though he holds a two-inch reach advantage at 67 inches.
Why it matters
- Van's historic reign: at 24, he became the second-youngest champion in UFC history, and a dominant rematch victory would firmly establish his legacy.
- Pantoja's redemption: the injury-shortened finish denied him a proper farewell to the belt, giving the former champion every reason to push for a decisive result.
- Style clash: Van's elite striking volume collides with Pantoja's grappling-heavy, submission-oriented attack, setting up a genuinely dangerous crossroads for both fighters.
