Joshua Van Retains UFC Flyweight Title with Dominant Win Over Alexandre Pantoja

Joshua Van Silences Critics at UFC 331

Joshua Van has firmly established himself as the premier fighter in the flyweight division after successfully defending his UFC title against Alexandre Pantoja. In a high-stakes rematch at UFC 331 in Los Angeles on September 20, 2026, Van secured a commanding unanimous decision victory, leaving no doubt about his status as champion.

The victory was particularly significant as a redemption arc for the 24-year-old. Van's first encounter with Pantoja in December 2025 ended in a controversial fashion when Pantoja suffered an accidental elbow dislocation just 26 seconds into the fight. While Van took the win, critics labeled it an "accidental win," a narrative Van addressed immediately after the UFC 331 bout, stating, A lot of people said that was an accidental win, well, doubt me now, according to BBC Sport.

Fight Analysis: Tactical Dominance

The rematch was a tactical battle that saw momentum shift across five rounds. While Pantoja managed to control the first and fourth rounds—including an early takedown in the fourth where he struggled to pass Van's guard—Joshua Van dominated the remaining three frames.

• Round 1: Pantoja controlled the pace with heavy punches and knees, though Van responded with a slicing elbow.
• Rounds 2 & 3: Van took control, using precise jabs in the second and a fluid combination of punches to rock Pantoja in the third.
• Round 5: Van closed the fight aggressively, stalking Pantoja and landing a decisive overhand right that resulted in a knockdown.

A Historic Milestone for the 2000s Generation

Beyond the immediate victory, Joshua Van has carved his name into the UFC history books as the first champion born in the 2000s. Originally from Myanmar, Van relocated to the United States at the age of 12 and has since risen rapidly through the ranks. Following this win, his professional MMA record now stands at 18 wins and 2 losses.

This defense follows another successful title bout in May 2026, where Van defeated Tatsuro Taira. With the Pantoja rematch settled, Van enters the final quarter of 2026 as a dominant force in the flyweight category.