Joshua Van Eyes 2nd Win Over Pantoja at UFC 331 as 24-Year-Old Tests Title Reign

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Sep 16

Joshua Van headlines UFC 331 on Saturday seeking a second win over Alexandre Pantoja, a result analysts say would validate his championship after their first bout ended with Pantoja injuring his arm within 30 seconds.
At 24, Van is viewed by two of three panelists as capable of a long flyweight title run, citing his rapid improvement, his defense against Tatsuro Taira and a division in transition.
The main caveat is depth at 125 pounds: analysts pointed to threats including Manel Kape, Ramazan Temirov and Asu Almabayev, arguing flyweight is too stacked for easy dominance.
UFC 331's co-main also carries title implications, but analysts said Arman Tsarukyan or Mauricio Ruffy still cannot guarantee a lightweight shot because UFC matchmaking remains fluid and Justin Gaethje may sit out until 2027.
Outside the top two fights, the panel largely highlighted Tai Tuivasa vs. Robelis Despaigne as the card's most watchable undercard bout, even as they criticized the event's overall depth.