Updated

Updated · Bleacher Report · Sep 20

Joshua Van Defends Flyweight Title at UFC 331 as Gable Steveson Falls in 12-Second KO

Updated

Updated · Bleacher Report · Sep 20

Joshua Van Defends Flyweight Title at UFC 331 as Gable Steveson Falls in 12-Second KO

Q: Will Joshua Van's masterclass performance finally silence the critics and cement him as the flyweight division's most unstoppable long-term ruler?

Yes—Joshua Van’s performance went a long way toward ending the biggest criticism around his title reign, even if “unstoppable” is still too strong for any division as deep and volatile as flyweight. What Van did at UFC 331 was exactly what doubters demanded after the first Pantoja fight ended in an injury. In the rematch, he beat a fully prepared former champion over five rounds and did it with a complete game: sharp boxing, pace, composure under pressure, and strong defensive grappling. By most reports, he defended 13 of 18 takedowns, outlanded Pantoja by a wide margin, and scored the fight’s only knockdown late. That matters because Pantoja had been the division’s proven standard. The win also strengthens the long-term case for Van more than the short-term hype. At 24, with two title defenses already, he has shown improvement from fight to fight and appears to have the conditioning, timing, and fight IQ to stay on top for a while. Dana White’s praise and the broad reaction around the sport reflect that this was seen as a legitimizing championship performance, not just another defense. Still, “cemented” is premature if the bar is a years-long rule. Flyweight remains dangerous, and Manel Kape—on a four-fight knockout streak—is a serious next test. Van looks like the clear No. 1 fighter in the division right now. Whether he becomes its dominant long-term ruler will depend on how he handles the next wave of contenders, but UFC 331 was the clearest sign yet that he can.

3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Sep 20

Joshua Van, 24, capped UFC 331 in Los Angeles with a decision win over Alexandre Pantoja that reinforced his grip on the flyweight title and elevated expectations for a long reign.
That performance stood out for its balance—sharp striking, defensive wrestling, timing and composure—leaving Van positioned to face the division’s next wave of challengers, including Manel Kape.
Arman Tsarukyan also strengthened his case for a lightweight title shot by knocking out Mauricio Ruffy, with the card’s fallout pointing toward a potential matchup with champion Justin Gaethje.
Gable Steveson absorbed the night’s biggest setback when Sean Sharaf stopped him with a one-punch knockout in 12 seconds, a stunning reversal after Steveson’s successful UFC debut.
The loss deepened a disastrous week for the Olympic gold medalist, who was heavily booed by fans and left the cage before the official result, raising fresh doubts about his MMA future.

Sources

Bleacher Report8h ago

UFC 331: Van Dominates, Tsarukyan Earns Title Shot, Steveson Suffers Shock KO

WJHL-TV News Channel 118h ago

Van silences doubters in Pantoja rematch as Tsarukyan, Pitbull score dramatic UFC 331 finishes | WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather

OCRegister8h ago

UFC 331: Van turns back Pantoja to retain flyweight title – Orange County Register

8 Sources

Will Joshua Van's masterclass performance finally silence the critics and cement him as the flyweight division's most unstoppable long-term ruler?

After a historically brutal 12-second knockout, is Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson's highly anticipated MMA career already over before it truly began?

Does Arman Tsarukyan's devastating first-round finish prove he is the ultimate nightmare matchup for lightweight champion Justin Gaethje?