Van beats Pantoja to retain UFC flyweight title

Joshua Van, a 24-year-old fighter from Myanmar, retained his UFC flyweight title with a decisive victory over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. The match took place in December 2025, following their first fight in May 2025. Pantoja suffered an accidental elbow dislocation just 26 seconds into that bout.

Van, the UFC champion born in the 2000s, had previously defended his title against Tatsuro Taira in May but now solidified his position as the top flyweight. After the fight, Van proudly stated, "A lot of people said that was an accidental win, well, doubt me now."

Pantoja dominated the early rounds, landing heavy punches and knees before Van retaliated with a slicing elbow. In the second round, Van continued to outmaneuver Pantoja with left-handed jabs and a fluid punch combo, ultimately rocking the Brazilian. Despite controlling the fourth round and taking Van down, Pantoja failed to submit his opponent.

The judges' scorecards ultimately favored Van, who secured the win in the final round with an overhand right, knocking Pantoja down. Scottish fighter Casey O'Neill also won on the same night, submitting Eduarda Moura with an armbar. Though released after seven consecutive wins, Mokaev expressed his desire to return to the UFC.