Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja face off tensely at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC
Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja after five high-level rounds at UFC 331 , held last Saturday (19), in Los Angeles (USA). The flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) showed a sharp striking game, good takedown defense and efficiency in neutralizing the Brazilian's attacks on the ground.
After the fight, Dana White highlighted Van's performance and his contribution to the division. In a post-event press conference, the UFC president praised the champion and emphasized the excitement provided by the duel against the Brazilian.
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“He’s the best there’s ever been for this division. You know, he brought so much glitz, excitement, and fun to the category. I mean, it was an incredible fight. I was like, wow, are we already in the fifth round? It’s really cool when that happens in five-round fights,” said Dana White.
The statement highlights the executive's recognition of Joshua Van 's impact on the division. The Myanmar fighter won the flyweight title and, against Pantoja, defended it for the second time, overcoming one of the biggest names in the division's history.
UFC 331 results
MAIN CARD
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-47, 50-45) and defended his title.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Arman Tsarukyan defeated Mauricio Ruffy by knockout (elbow strike) at 4:56 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Patricio Pitbull defeated Dooho Choi by knockout (punches) at 3:28 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Sean Sharaf defeated Gable Stevenson by knockout (punch) at 12 seconds of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Alonzo Menifield defeated Iwo Baraniewski by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Marlon Vera defeated Charles Jourdain by technical knockout (punches) at 2:02 of round 3.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Robelis Despaigne defeated Tai Tuivasa by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Michael Aswell Jr. defeated Joo Sang Yoo by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ryan Gandra defeated Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punches) at 2:04 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Edmen Shahbazyan defeated Brunno Hulk by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Casey O'Neill defeated Eduarda Ronda by submission (armbar) at 3:22 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joanderson Tubarão defeated Giga Chikadze by knockout (punches) at 1:57 of round 1.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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