Alexandre Pantoja v Joshua Van: Fight of the Year contender sets up UFC's first 2000s-born title challenger as flyweight stars face off
Updated 29/06/2025 at 09:27 GMT+1
Joshua Van's rapid rise in the UFC continued on Saturday night, as he followed up a TKO win at UFC 316 with a unanimous-decision victory in the next numbered entry. After a firm Fight of the Year contender, the Burmese-American wasted no time in shaking on his next fight. A man at the opposite end of his career and the current flyweight king, Alexandre Pantoja, lies in wait.
‘What a fight!’ – Van defeats Royval in thrilling flyweight battle
Video credit: TNT Sports
Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his UFC flyweight title against rising star Joshua Van, following the pair's victories at UFC 317.
Live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Saturday evening saw Van defeat Brandon Royval in an instant classic at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The Burmese-American took his pro record to 15-2, while extending his UFC win streak to five en route to picking up a Fight of the Night bonus.
He had only stepped in as an injury-enforced replacement for Manel Kape earlier this month, meaning Van appeared at back-to-back numbered UFC events.
Van picked up a unanimous-decision victory in a record-breaking display, as fans were wowed with a new flyweight division high of 344 significant strikes landed between the fighters.
It continued a remarkably fan-friendly style for Van, who holds the UFC record (minimum five fights) for most strikes landed per minute, with 8.2.
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‘One of the best ever’ – Pantoja submits Kara-France to defend flyweight title for fourth time
Video credit: TNT Sports
Shortly after, Pantoja kept hold of his flyweight crown with a round-three submission versus Kai Kara-France. The rear-naked choke capped off a dominant display.
It marked the Brazilian's fourth successive title defence, as he continued to stake his claim to be recognised among the division's all-time greats.
In the aftermath of the 35-year-old's triumph, he wanted Van in the Octagon: "Bring him here."
The young talent obliged, and set up a bout which will become the first UFC title showdown to feature a fighter born since the turn of the millennium.
Van said: "He's a great champion, but he ain't never fought Joshua Van."
Before shaking hands, Pantoja responded: "He's a humble guy. He deserves to fight for the title next."
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