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Alexandre Pantoja loses to Joshua Van at UFC 331, Demetrious Johnson suggests retirement

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 25, 2026, 12:00 AM

Last updated Sep 25, 2026

Alexandre Pantoja loses to Joshua Van at UFC 331, Demetrious Johnson suggests retirement

Summary

Alexandre Pantoja fell to Joshua Van by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Van dominated the fight, winning with scores of 50-45, 49-47, and 49-46, and knocked Pantoja down in the fifth round. This marks Pantoja's second consecutive loss to Van; their previous encounter ended in a quick injury when Pantoja dislocated his elbow. Former champion Demetrious Johnson commented that Pantoja, now 36, should consider retirement for his well-being, as he has already faced most top contenders in the Flyweight division and may not have much left to prove. Pantoja has yet to make any retirement announcement following the fight.

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By the Numbers

•Pantoja lost to Van by unanimous decision at UFC 331.
•Van scored a knockdown in the fifth round of the fight.
•This was Pantoja's second loss to Van, following an injury in their first match.
•Demetrious Johnson advised Pantoja to consider retiring for health reasons.
•Pantoja has not indicated plans for retirement after UFC 331.

Latest Updates

12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Nothing left? Ex-UFC champion (and Flyweight GOAT) urges Alexandre Pantoja to retire after UFC 331 war — ‘You don’t need concussions’

What they're saying

"
Is it time for “The Cannibal” to walk away? Alexandre Pantoja suffered a unanimous decision loss to reigning champion Joshua Van in UFC 331’s main event this past Saturday (Sept. 19, 2026) inside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Van won by scores of 50-45, 49-47 and 49-46, dropping the Brazilian veteran during a dominant […]
— Yahoo Sports

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