Full Breakdown
Joshua Van Retains UFC Flyweight Crown in Five-Round Rematch with Alexandre Pantoja
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 19, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, undisputed flyweight champion Joshua Van (24, Myanmar) defeated former champion Alexandre Pantoja (36, Brazil) by unanimous decision to retain the UFC 125-pound title. The judges’ scorecards read 49-46, 49-47 and 50-45 in Van’s favor, ending a 25-minute bout that settled the unfinished business from their first encounter.
Background & Context
The two fighters first met at UFC 323 on December 6, 2025 in Las Vegas. Pantoja suffered an accidental elbow dislocation 26 seconds into the fight, prompting a technical knockout that awarded Van the belt. After a fifth-round TKO of Tatsuro Taira in May 2026, Van entered the rematch on a seven-fight winning streak, while Pantoja spent nine months rehabilitating his arm.
Data & Statistics
- Van’s record: 18-2 (11-1 in UFC)
- Pantoja’s record: 30-7 (14-5 in UFC)
- Round breakdown: Pantoja secured takedowns in Rounds 1 and 4. Van landed the majority of strikes in Rounds 2, 3 and the decisive fifth, dropping Pantoja with an overhand right.
- Judges’ scores: 49-46, 49-47, 50-45 (most sources); one outlet listed 48-47.
Official Statements & Responses
Van said the rematch was “another assignment” rather than a personal vendetta and declined to name a next opponent, noting the UFC could place “anyone” in front of him. Pantoja highlighted his recovery and said he was “hungry to win again.” Both fighters expressed mutual respect.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A lot of people said that was an accidental win … well, doubt me now,” — Joshua Van
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most outlets reported the judges’ scores as 49-46, 49-47 and 50-45, The Sporting Tribune listed a 48-47 score for one judge, with no official clarification. The nature of the head-butt controversy in Round 2—intentional or accidental—remains debated.
Why It Matters / Impact
Van’s victory removes the “accidental” label from his initial title acquisition, solidifying his status as the first UFC champion from Myanmar and the first champion born in the 2000s. The win also positions him as a front-runner for future flyweight challengers, while Pantoja’s performance shows the veteran remains a top contender.
What’s Next
During the broadcast, the UFC announced UFC 334 for a later date at Madison Square Garden in New York, featuring a heavyweight title defense by Ciryl Gane and a women’s bantamweight championship clash between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes. Van’s next opponent has not been confirmed, but his camp indicated openness to any challenger.