Joshua Van Retains Flyweight Title in Gritty Rematch with Alexandre Pantoja
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The champion survived a 25-minute war at UFC 331 to secure a unanimous decision victory over the former titleholder.
As Sportsnet first reported, Joshua Van solidified his status as the premier flyweight in the UFC on September 20, 2026, successfully defending his title for the second time. In the main event of UFC 331 in Los Angeles, Van faced former champion Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch that pushed both fighters to the limit over the course of 25 minutes.
Reporting from Sportsnet describes the contest as an incredible battle between the two best flyweights in the division. While the fight went the full distance, Sportsnet notes that Van was able to secure a unanimous decision victory by inflicting significantly more damage throughout the bout. The fight concluded with Van unleashing a flurry of combinations on Pantoja as the third round closed.
With the victory, Van remains atop the flyweight division. According to Sportsnet, the champion is now expected to prepare for his next title defense, with knockout artist Manel Kape cited as the likely challenger.
While Van handled the main event, the rest of the UFC 331 card featured several high-impact results. In the co-main event, lightweight Arman Tsarukyan secured a brutal knockout victory over Mauricio Ruffy. Sportsnet reports that Tsarukyan has now won six consecutive fights and has positioned himself as the next challenger for lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
Other notable results from the event included:
* **Heavyweight:** In what Sportsnet identifies as the biggest upset in the history of the promotion based on betting odds, Sean Sharaf—a 10-to-1 underdog—knocked out Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds of the first round. * **Light Heavyweight:** Alonzo Menifield earned a split decision victory over the previously undefeated Iwo Baraniewski. Sportsnet reports that Menifield achieved the win despite breaking his thumb in the first round. * **Bantamweight:** Marlon Vera defeated Charles Jourdain via a third-round TKO, ending a three-fight winning streak for the Canadian fighter. * **Middleweight:** Ryan Gandra improved his UFC record to 3-0 with a first-round knockout of Ozzy Diaz at the 2:04 mark. Following the win, Gandra called out former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. * **Women's Flyweight:** Casey O'Neill secured a submission victory over Eduarda Moura using a helicopter armbar. Sportsnet notes O'Neill is now on a three-fight win streak and has called for a bout with Maycee Barber. * **Additional Results:** Patricio Pitbull earned his first UFC finish by knocking out Dooho Choi in the first round, improving his promotional record to 2-2.