Van and Pantoja Weighed In for UFC 331

Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja met at the Crypto.com Arena ahead of their upcoming flyweight championship bout.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

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Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja participated in the ceremonial weigh-ins at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The fighters are set to face off in a rematch at UFC 331.

Why it matters

Skeptics have questioned the legitimacy of Joshua Van's initial title victory over Alexandre Pantoja. The upcoming bout serves as an opportunity for both fighters to resolve doubts surrounding their first meeting.

Joshua Van previously defeated Alexandre Pantoja in just 26 seconds at UFC 323, while his subsequent title defense against Tatsuro Taira lasted the full five rounds.

The players

Joshua Van

He is the reigning UFC flyweight champion who earned Fight of the Night honors at UFC 328.

Alexandre Pantoja

He is a former UFC flyweight champion who suffered an elbow injury during his previous title defense.

Joe Rogan

He is a prominent UFC commentator and podcast host who interviewed Van regarding his title run.

The details

Joshua Van won the flyweight title from Alexandre Pantoja on December 6, 2025, after Pantoja broke his elbow early in the first round. Joe Rogan recently asked Van if the initial victory was accidental, to which Van insisted the outcome was meant to be.

December 6, 2025: Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323.
September 19, 2026: UFC 331 ceremonial weigh-ins occurred in Los Angeles.

Season Trajectory

The controversy surrounding this flyweight title mirrors the debate sparked by the Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan disqualification. This rematch is pivotal for defining the division's stability and legitimizing the current champion's standing in the UFC rankings.

Joshua Van enters the cage as the odds-on favorite to retain his belt. The result of this fight will definitively determine the flyweight titleholder and clear the path for the next top contender in the division.

The takeaway

Fighters often face scrutiny when championship bouts end in unconventional injury-related stoppages. A clean victory in this rematch will be essential for the winner to silence critics and solidify their status as the undisputed champion.