Joshua Van Dominates Alexandre Pantoja to Retain Title

Joshua Van retained his UFC flyweight title with a decisive victory over Alexandre Pantoja in their rematch at UFC 331 held in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old from Myanmar previously defeated Pantoja in December 2025 after Pantoja suffered an accidental elbow dislocation just 26 seconds into that fight.

Van, the first UFC champion born in the 2000s, defended his title against Tatsuro Taira in May. In the rematch, Pantoja initially took Van down in the first round and landed significant strikes, but Van responded with a slicing elbow.

As the fight progressed, Van utilized effective left-handed jabs and combinations, ultimately knocking Pantoja down with an overhand right in the final round. The judges awarded Van the victory, extending his professional MMA record to 18 wins and 2 losses.

The event also featured Scottish fighter Casey O’Neill, who won against Eduarda Moura via armbar submission.