New challenger says he's ready to beat Alexandre Pantoja in the UFC: 'Nobody can hold me down'

Alexandre pantoja celebrates fourth defense of the UFC flyweight belt. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC

At just 23 years old, Joshua Van is living the best moment of his short but explosive career in the UFC. After an impressive victory over Brandon royval, Van began to be considered as the next challenger for the flyweight belt (up to 56,7 kg), currently held by the Brazilian Alexandre pantoja.

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Despite his achievement, some fans question whether Van is really ready for a duel against the experienced champion. However, he disagrees. In an interview with MMA Fighting, the athlete stated that he is prepared to prove his worth, and that the negative comments reflect more the public's uncertainty than his real ability.

“People say I’m not ready to fight for the belt… But what will they say when I win the belt? We’re just trying to follow our path and work, like every day. Styles make fights. Brandon royval only lost to Pantoja… and I beat Royval.”, said Van

Joshua Van claims he can handle Alexandre Pantoja's ground game

Joshua Van after victory in UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC News

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Until now, Joshua Van, has stood out for his aggressive style on his feet and for rarely showing his grappling inside the octagon. However, he assures that he is prepared to deal with Pantoja's strong point: the ground game.

“I’m always confident. I just don’t like hugging another man during a fight. That’s why you don’t see my ground game. But I’ve used wrestling in fights where I got hurt. I have that saved. And if I need to, I’ll use it,” said the young challenger.

Furthermore, the challenger believes that no fighter in the UFC has been able to keep him on the ground for long enough, which makes him even more confident.

“Who in the UFC can keep me down? In all my fights, they knocked me down… but I always got up. If I thought I couldn’t do it, would I accept this fight? Of course not. My team and I believe in ourselves. We believe in our work. And I believe that my coaches will find a way for me to beat the champion.”, he concluded. Joshua Van

Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van faced off at UFC 317

OFFICIAL: Alexandre pantoja x Joshua Van will be the next fight for the UFC flyweight title! #UFCBR pic.twitter.com/tA7Y0II6Ii

— MMA Melotto (@MMAmelotto) June 29, 2025

The climate of respect between champion and challenger has already been established, but rivalry is in the air. After defend the belt against Kai Kara-France in the co-main event of UFC 317, Alexandre pantoja was challenged in the octagon itself by Joshua Van, who had defeated Royval minutes before.

The meeting marked the first official stare between the two, in a respectful but tense moment. The fight, which has not yet been officially announced, will be Pantoja's fifth title defense, as he remains undefeated since taking over the top spot in the division.

Brazil on top: Alexandre Pantoja continues to be a Brazilian reference in the UFC

Alexandre pantoja, UFC flyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Born in Rio de Janeiro, Alexandre pantoja represents Brazil as the current flyweight champion. He is currently the only representative of the country holding a belt.

Known for his aggressive style both standing and on the ground, Pantoja enters the duel against Joshua Van with the mission of defending the belt and legacy against an opponent 13 years younger.