Joshua Van wins UFC 331 title defense despite torn AC joint, admits training camp was cardio-only

Key points

• Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-47, 50-45) to retain the UFC flyweight title at UFC 331.
• Van admitted to tearing his AC joint in his right shoulder after the August 14 press conference, preventing him from sparring.
• The final two weeks of Van's training camp consisted exclusively of cardio and running due to the injury.
• Pantoja won the first round on striking, but Van dominated the second and third rounds with effective boxing.
• Van plans to undergo MRIs to determine if the shoulder injury is major, though he expressed confidence in his performance.
• Van expressed openness to fighting any opponent next, including top contender Manel Kape, stating he does not pick his fights.

Background

This bout was the highly anticipated rematch after Van's first title win, which ended when Pantoja suffered an arm injury seconds into their initial meeting. Van had previously defended the title against Tatsuro Taira in May 2026. The division's depth and Van's potential for a long reign were key topics in pre-fight analysis.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Junkie highlighted Van's 'startling admission' regarding his injury and his dominant late-round performance. CBS Sports provided pre-fight predictions, with experts split on the outcome; some favored Van's youth and striking, while others like Brian Campbell predicted a Pantoja submission, citing his experience. UFC.com confirmed the official weigh-ins and event details. ESPN's source was inaccessible due to a 403 error, providing no additional perspective.

Why it matters

Van's victory despite a significant injury underscores his resilience and potential for a long title reign. The injury raises questions about his durability for future defenses, while the unanimous decision scorecard suggests a clear, if not stoppage, victory that solidifies his position atop the flyweight division.

What to watch

Van will undergo MRIs to assess his shoulder. A title fight against Manel Kape is considered the logical next step, though Van has stated he is open to any opponent. Pantoja, now 30-7, will need to recover and potentially challenge for the title again in the future.