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Joshua Van prepares to face Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 in Los Angeles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 10:14 PM

Last updated Sep 17, 2026

Joshua Van prepares to face Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 in Los Angeles

Summary

Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja face off in a rematch at UFC 331 on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Van, who became Houston's first UFC champion after defeating Pantoja last December, is looking to assert his dominance after a controversy-laden first match. The fight was initially stopped due to Pantoja's injury just 26 seconds in, leading to discussions regarding the legitimacy of Van's victory. Tensions have escalated between the two fighters since then, with Van expressing frustration over Pantoja's comments and behavior leading up to this rematch. Van is confident in his abilities and expects a longer, more definitive fight this time around.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•UFC 331 main event features Joshua Van against Alexandre Pantoja.
•Van became champion after Pantoja's injury in their first fight.
•Pantoja reestablished rivalry with comments leading to this rematch.
•Fight scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2026.
•Van is a slight favorite based on recent performances.

Latest Updates

10:14 PMYahoo Sports — Houston's Joshua Van having fun, vows to 'whoop' Alexandre Pantoja in UFC 331 flyweight title fight

What they're saying

"
Joshua Van talks trash with his buddies, but he's been respectful to his opponents in the UFC. However, Saturday's rematch with Alexandre Pantoja has allowed the Houston fighter to be himself.
— Yahoo Sports

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