Van edges Pantoja to retain flyweight title after rough camp and shoulder setback

Joshua Van defended his UFC flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, overcoming a torn AC joint in his right shoulder and virtually no sparring in the final weeks. He leaned on cardio and improved boxing, pulling away in rounds 2 and 3 to seal the win and confirm he remains champion. Van signaled openness to his next challenge, with top contender Manel Kape among the possibilities.