Joshua Van reveals torn AC joint ahead of UFC 331 title defense
Joshua Van entered his second flyweight title defense with a significant shoulder injury.
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van entered his second title defense despite a torn AC joint in his right shoulder. Van faced former champion Alexandre Pantoja and won the bout by unanimous decision at UFC 331 in Los Angeles on September 19th. Post-fight, Van revealed that the shoulder injury had prevented him from sparring during most of the camp, forcing him to focus on cardio training instead.
Van stated, "Coming into this fight after the press conference in Philly, I tore my AC joint in my right shoulder and I couldn't even spar." The injury led to a limited sparring schedule, with Van only getting his first opportunity to spar during the last two weeks of camp. Van plans to undergo MRIs and further medical evaluations before determining if he will attempt a third title defense this year.
He did not issue any challenges to other flyweight contenders, indicating a willingness to accept the UFC's next opponent. The current top-ranked 125-pounder, Manel Kape, is considered the favorite to face Van next.
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