Van vs Pantoja Flyweight Title Preview
Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja meet in a rematch for the flyweight title in Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Van challenged Pantoja for the belt back in December 2025 and won controversially. The champion suffered an elbow injury, and the fight ended in 26 seconds.
Pantoja has returned from that injury, looking to get his belt back and now has the opportunity to right that wrong. Can the veteran reclaim his title, or will the Burmese champion prove that his time is now?
Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja Predictions
Fight prediction: Joshua Van to win by decision
Our MMA predictions indicate Van will defend the UFC flyweight title against former champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 after their first meeting ended early. Van looks to have only grown stronger since that fight, and the 24-year-old looks in good standing for a lengthy run with the belt.
The pair have unfinished business after their first meeting ended after just 26 seconds. Pantoja suffered an elbow injury during the opening exchanges, allowing Van to claim the flyweight championship without a conclusive result. Van then strengthened his position as champion with a fifth-round stoppage against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328.
Van enters the rematch with significant momentum and the confidence of already beating Pantoja. The 24-year-old has developed quickly since entering the UFC and now has the experience of a championship bout behind him. His win over Taira also showed he can maintain his pace and effectiveness deep into a five-round contest.
Pantoja presents a completely different challenge from Van’s previous opponents. The Brazilian former champion has extensive experience at the top of the flyweight division. Before losing the belt, Pantoja successfully defended it four times against Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, Kai Asakura and Kai Kara-France. He also built an eight-fight winning streak during his title run.
The biggest danger for Van will be Pantoja’s grappling. The Brazilian is particularly dangerous once he gets opponents to the canvas or takes their back. His submission game could give Van problems if the champion lets himself become trapped against the fence. Van will therefore need to maintain his distance and make Pantoja work for every takedown attempt.
A key concern for Van is his previous fight against Tatsuro Taira, who completed eight takedowns during their contest. That could indicate Van may struggle to deal with Pantoja’s expected takedown volume. However, Van was at least able to limit his ability to create significant offence.
If Van can similarly stifle Pantoja’s activity on the mat, he should be able to return to his feet quickly and outstrike the Brazilian over five rounds. That could ultimately give Van enough of an advantage to secure the victory on the judges’ scorecards.
Van’s striking and movement should be central to his game plan. The champion needs to use his speed to land combinations before moving away from Pantoja’s counters. Keeping the fight at range could also reduce the amount of time Pantoja has to establish his wrestling and grappling exchanges.
However, Pantoja is unlikely to simply allow Van to dictate the pace. His pressure and experience should make this a competitive championship fight, particularly during the middle rounds. Pantoja has spent years competing against elite flyweights and knows how to manage five-round contests.
Van should still have enough offensive output to win the cleaner exchanges. His ability to stay active while defending Pantoja’s takedown attempts could prove crucial on the scorecards. If Van can avoid extended periods on the canvas, he should have enough opportunities to build a lead.
The rematch is likely to be considerably more competitive than their first encounter. Pantoja has the experience and grappling ability to test Van throughout five rounds. However, Van’s speed, striking volume, and confidence as champion should allow him to control enough of the action.
We expect Pantoja to have his moments, particularly when he closes the distance and looks for takedowns. Van should ultimately do enough to keep the fight standing and land the more consistent combinations. Our prediction is Joshua Van to retain the UFC flyweight title by decision.
Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja Betting Tips
- Method of Victory – Van via decision: Van’s speed, striking volume and ability to maintain a high pace make the decision market appealing. Pantoja is a dangerous grappler, but Van should have enough movement to avoid spending long periods on the ground. The champion also showed against Tatsuro Taira that he can maintain his output across five rounds. Pantoja’s experience will make Van work for the victory, but the Burmese fighter’s cleaner striking could prove decisive on the judges’ scorecards. Given the expected competitive nature of the rematch, a bet on Van to win by decision is our preferred method-of-victory selection.
- Strikes – Van to land 100+ strikes: Van’s striking volume could make the 100+ strikes market an interesting MMA betting option. The champion should look to use his speed and movement to land combinations from range. Pantoja will likely spend periods trying to close the distance and establish his grappling game. However, Van should still have plenty of opportunities to land cleanly. Over five rounds, his activity could let him reach the 100-strike mark even if Pantoja has success with his pressure. This has been a winner in five of his last six fights, discounting the early stoppage in the first meeting.
- Takedowns – Pantoja over 3.5 takedowns: Anyone betting on the UFC knows Pantoja’s ground game is arguably the best in the flyweight division. The former champion should look to close the distance and take Van down rather than allowing the younger fighter to dictate the fight at range. Van’s movement and takedown defence could limit Pantoja’s success, but four takedowns remain achievable across 25 minutes. Pantoja’s persistence should give him opportunities to secure takedowns, particularly if Van begins to tire during the championship rounds. The over 3.5 takedowns market could therefore be an appealing option in the over/under betting.
Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja Head-to-Head and Key Stats
These fighters met in a title bout in December, with Pantoja’s belt on the line. However, the fight lasted just 26 seconds after Pantoja suffered an elbow injury during the opening exchanges. The inconclusive result has created plenty of intrigue ahead of the rematch.
Van Recent Form and Key Stats
Joshua Van enters the rematch with a 17-2 professional record and a seven-fight winning streak. The 24-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the UFC’s most dangerous young flyweights. His most recent victory came against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328, where Van produced a fifth-round TKO after four competitive rounds.
Van’s striking volume remains one of his biggest strengths. He throws combinations at a high pace while using his footwork to create angles and openings. That approach should allow him to score consistently if he can prevent Pantoja from establishing prolonged grappling exchanges. His ability to maintain his output deep into fights could also prove important over five rounds.
The champion must remain disciplined against Pantoja’s pressure. Spending too much time against the fence could give the Brazilian opportunities to secure takedowns and establish his submission game. Van’s ability to reset quickly and return to striking range will therefore be crucial. His experience against Taira should also give him confidence heading into another demanding title defence.
Pantoja Recent Form and Key Stats
Alexandre Pantoja brings a 30-6 professional record into the rematch and has considerably more championship experience than Van. The Brazilian previously held the UFC flyweight title and successfully defended it four times.
Pantoja’s grappling remains his biggest weapon. He is dangerous when taking opponents down and can quickly transition between dominant positions. His submission threat means Van cannot afford to become careless during scrambles or extended exchanges on the canvas. Pantoja will likely look to pressure Van towards the fence before attempting to establish his wrestling.
However, Pantoja has not fought since his first meeting with Van. The former champion will need to overcome that period of inactivity while facing a younger opponent who has gained confidence since becoming champion. Pantoja’s experience should present opportunities throughout five rounds. However, Van’s volume could give him the edge if he keeps the fight standing.
