Pantoja Will Face Van at UFC 331 in Los Angeles
Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his title against Joshua Van on September 20, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja faces challenger Joshua Van at UFC 331 on September 20, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Pantoja seeks to reclaim his title momentum following a prior loss to Van.
Why it matters
The matchup serves as a pivotal moment in the flyweight division as Alexandre Pantoja works to reassert his dominance. Joshua Van, who previously defeated Pantoja, aims to solidify his status as the division leader.
Pantoja carries a career record of 30-6 into the 125-pound title bout, while Van enters with a 17-2 record. Pantoja currently holds 4 total title defenses, remaining well behind Demetrious Johnson's record of 11 consecutive defenses.
The players
Alexandre Pantoja
The 36-year-old Brazilian fighter became the flyweight champion in 2023.
Joshua Van
The 24-year-old Myanmar-born fighter resides in Houston and is a rising competitor in the flyweight class.
Demetrious Johnson
He is a former champion who maintains the historical record for 11 consecutive title defenses.
The details
The two fighters previously met at UFC 323, where Van secured a victory by first-round TKO in 26 seconds after Pantoja dislocated his elbow. Following an August 2026 press conference in Philadelphia, the fighters engaged in verbal confrontations ahead of their upcoming clash.
Timeline
December 2025: Pantoja and Van fought at UFC 323.
May 2026: Van defeated Tatsuro Taira.
August 2026: The UFC 331 fight was officially announced.
September 19, 2026: Van was referenced in press conference remarks.
September 20, 2026: UFC 331 is scheduled to occur at the Crypto.com Arena.
Season Trajectory
This bout reshapes the current flyweight hierarchy by determining if Pantoja can extend his reign or if Van officially ascends to the top of the division. The result will influence the path toward challenging the long-standing record of 11 consecutive title defenses.
Van intends to secure a finish within three rounds to prove his status as the greatest flyweight of all time. Viewers looking to follow the event can access coverage through subscription services like Paramount+.
The takeaway
Fighters at this level often face career-defining moments when defending titles against rivals who have previously defeated them in the cage. Fans should watch for how both athletes adjust their strategies based on their short initial meeting at UFC 323.
Further reading
For more news on upcoming bouts, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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