{
  "id": 8147196,
  "title": "Van and Pantoja set for long-awaited rematch at UFC 331 in Los Angeles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/van-and-pantoja-set-for-long-awaited-rematch-at-ufc-331-in-los-angeles",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T01:56:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/van-pantoja-set-long-awaited-015609686.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "UFC 331 in Los Angeles features a highly anticipated flyweight championship rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja. The first bout ended in a technical knockout after Pantoja suffered an arm and elbow injury in the opening seconds, leaving much to be determined about their abilities in a full contest.\n\nVan, a 24-year-old from Houston with a 17-2 record, entered the rematch with seven consecutive wins, nine knockouts, and three first-round finishes. He boasts an impressive resume that includes victories over Brandon Royval, Pantoja, and Tatsuro Taira. Pantoja, the former titleholder with a 30-6 record and the No. 1 flyweight and No. 13 pound-for-pound rankings, returned determined to reclaim his championship after a successful defense against Van at UFC 328.\n\nThe matchup pits a younger, faster combination striker against a championship veteran with proven grappling and endurance. Van aims to establish himself as the division's unquestioned leader, while Pantoja seeks to become the third two-time flyweight champion in UFC history. The contrasting styles and experiences of both fighters should lead to a captivating tactical battle on Saturday night.",
  "summary": "UFC 331 arrives Saturday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles with a flyweight championship rematch carrying far more intrigue than the official result of the first meeting suggests. Champion Joshua Van attempts to remove any lingering doubt surrounding his reign, while former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja returns determined to reclaim a championship he never lost in conventional fashion. Van…",
  "key_points": [
    "Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja set for rematch at UFC 331 in Los Angeles",
    "Van, 24, enters with 17-2 record, 9 knockouts, 3 first-round finishes",
    "Pantoja, former champ, returns to reclaim title after UFC 328 win"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The rematch between Van and Pantoja will determine the undisputed flyweight leader, pitting youth and speed against experience and grappling skills in a tactical battle that could define the division.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Van and Pantoja set for long-awaited rematch at UFC 331 in Los Angeles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/van-and-pantoja-set-for-long-awaited-rematch-at-ufc-331-in-los-angeles-8152246",
        "published": "2026-09-18T01:56:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}