Joshua Van Smiles Through UFC 331 Faceoff as Alexandre Pantoja Eyes 2nd Flyweight Reign
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Sep 18
Joshua Van Smiles Through UFC 331 Faceoff as Alexandre Pantoja Eyes 2nd Flyweight Reign
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Sep 18
Summary
Thursday’s UFC 331 press conference turned tense when champion Joshua Van grinned throughout a staredown with Alexandre Pantoja, who remained stern and had to be separated by matchmaker Sean Shelby.
That contrast sharpened the rematch buildup: Van posed with the belt still smiling, while Pantoja projected urgency ahead of Saturday’s title fight.
Pantoja enters the bout trying to reclaim the flyweight belt he lost to Van after a freak injury ended his previous reign and his pursuit of Demetrious Johnson’s 11 straight title defenses.
Van, already calling himself the division’s best ever, is using the rematch to reinforce his new champion persona and chase another statement win at UFC 331.
Will Alexandre Pantoja’s veteran fury overcome Joshua Van’s youthful confidence to reclaim the flyweight throne after their controversial first encounter?
How will the psychological weight of a previous freak injury impact Alexandre Pantoja in his high-stakes championship rematch against Joshua Van?