Van Grins, Pantoja Glares: UFC 331 Flyweight Rematch Set for Los Angeles

Key points

• Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja face off in a flyweight title rematch at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles.
• Van, 24, is the current champion and has won seven consecutive fights since arriving in the UFC in 2023.
• Pantoja, 36, lost the title in their first meeting due to a freak elbow injury 26 seconds into the fight at UFC 323.
• Van successfully defended the title against Tatsuro Taira in May 2026 with a fifth-round stoppage.
• The pre-fight press conference featured a tense faceoff where Van smiled and mocked Pantoja, while Pantoja appeared angry and ready to fight.
• UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby separated the two fighters during the faceoff, with Van continuing to grin and pose with the belt afterward.

Background

The first meeting between Van and Pantoja at UFC 323 in December 2025 ended abruptly when Pantoja suffered a dislocated elbow 26 seconds into the fight, resulting in a TKO loss and the crowning of Van as champion. Van subsequently defended the title against Tatsuro Taira in May 2026, winning by stoppage in the fifth round. The rematch was announced as the main event of UFC 331, with a 13-fight card that also includes Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy, Patricio Freire vs. Doo Ho Choi, and Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf. The event is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting emphasizes the stark contrast in demeanor between the two fighters during the pre-fight faceoff, noting Van's smiling and taunting behavior versus Pantoja's visible anger and readiness to fight. UFC.com highlights the significance of the flyweight division's rise, noting that this is the ninth time a flyweight title fight has headlined a numbered event, and emphasizes Van's pride in representing Myanmar. Bleacher Report provides predictions for the main card, with analysts split on the outcome: some favor Pantoja by decision or submission, while others back Van by unanimous decision, citing his cardio and striking. The sources agree on the factual details of the first fight's injury and Van's subsequent title defense, but differ in their emphasis on the fighters' mindsets and the broader significance of the division.

Why it matters

The Van-Pantoja rematch is a high-profile flyweight title bout that will determine whether Van can solidify his status as champion after a controversial first meeting. The fight also highlights the growing prominence of the flyweight division in the UFC, with Van representing Myanmar and Pantoja seeking to reclaim his title. The outcome will impact the division's rankings and future title opportunities, particularly for contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy, who are featured in the co-main event.

What to watch

The main event of UFC 331, Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja II, is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The co-main event, Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy, will also take place on the same card. Fans can watch the event on Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass. The results of these fights will determine the next title challengers in the flyweight and lightweight divisions, respectively.