UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja to Defend Title Against Rising Contender Joshua Van
Las Vegas, Nevada – Following a successful title defense at UFC 317 on July 27, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is slated to face Joshua Van, the division’s newest top contender. Pantoja secured his victory over Kai Kara-France via arm-triangle choke in the second round, extending his winning streak and solidifying his reign.
Pantoja (26-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC) has established himself as a dominant force in the 125-pound division, remaining undefeated in his last five bouts. Known as ‘The Cannibal,’ the Brazilian fighter employs a relentless grappling-heavy style, consistently pursuing takedowns and control positions, notably back takes. His recent performance against Kara-France showcased his submission prowess, adding another finish to his impressive record.
Van (19-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC) earned his title shot with a string of impressive victories, most recently defeating Cody Durden via unanimous decision at UFC 317. He has demonstrated a strong ability to defend takedowns, successfully thwarting 6 of 8 attempts from Durden and 17 of 21 from Rei Tsuruya in prior contests. Van’s takedown defense rate currently stands at 81%, a significant asset against Pantoja’s aggressive grappling.
Beyond his defensive skills, Van boasts a striking attack that leads the flyweight division in significant strikes landed per minute, averaging 8.86. This output surpasses even that of heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who lands 7.48 significant strikes per minute.Van’s volume striking presents a unique challenge for Pantoja, forcing the champion to consider a more measured approach to closing the distance.
The matchup pits Pantoja’s proven grappling expertise against Van’s exceptional takedown defense and striking volume. The fight date and location are yet to be announced by the UFC, but the stylistic clash promises to be a compelling contest for the flyweight title.Pantoja initially won the title from Brandon Moreno via split decision at UFC 290 on July 8, 2023, and this will be his third defense.
