Van’s Shot at Redemption: UFC 331 Rematch with Pantoja

Updated August 5, 2026 7 min read

max916311@gmail.com

TL;DR: Flyweight Champion Joshua Van is set to defend his title against Alexandre Pantoja in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 331, headlining the Crypto.com Arena card in Los Angeles on September 20, 2026. After Van captured the title from Pantoja in their first meeting, the Brazilian former champion is hungry for redemption, making this one of the most compelling flyweight bouts of the year.

Van Set for Rematch Against Pantoja at UFC 331: Flyweight Title Rematch Headlines Los Angeles Card

Joshua Van will defend the UFC flyweight championship against Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch at UFC 331, scheduled for September 20, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The UFC officially announced the headline bout, pitting Van against the man he dethroned to win the 125-pound title. Their first encounter delivered a competitive, tactical battle, and this second meeting promises even higher stakes as Pantoja seeks to reclaim the belt he once held.

Quick Answer

Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 headlines UFC 331 on September 20, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Van won the flyweight title from Pantoja in their first fight and now makes his first defense of the championship. The rematch is widely regarded as one of the top flyweight title fights on the 2026 UFC calendar, with the full card also featuring Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy.

How Joshua Van Became Flyweight Champion

Joshua Van’s rise to the UFC flyweight championship represents one of the most impressive title runs in recent memory. Van earned his shot at Pantoja by stringing together a dominant series of performances at 125 pounds, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that combined sharp striking with effective grappling.

In their first meeting, Van executed a disciplined game plan that neutralized Pantoja’s aggressive style. His ability to control distance, time takedowns, and land with accuracy allowed him to outpoint the reigning champion over five rounds. According to UFC.com, Van’s victory marked a changing of the guard at flyweight, as Pantoja had established himself as a dominant force in the division.

What Made Van’s Title-Winning Performance Stand Out?

Van’s path to the title was defined by three key attributes that separated him from other contenders. First, his defensive grappling proved exceptional, as he stuffed Pantoja’s takedown attempts at a high rate. Second, Van’s volume striking kept Pantoja on the back foot for extended stretches. Third, his cardio held up through all five rounds, allowing him to maintain his pace late in the fight when many flyweight bouts become scrappy.

Why Alexandre Pantoja Wants the Rematch

Alexandre Pantoja enters UFC 331 with a singular mission: reclaim the flyweight championship. After losing his title to Van, Pantoja returned with a focused training camp and a renewed approach to his preparation. The Brazilian fighter is known for his relentless pressure, dangerous submission skills, and outstanding cardio, all of which made him a dominant champion before Van took the belt.

Industry data indicates that Pantoja’s camp has emphasized adjustments to address the specific issues Van exposed in their first fight. Reports suggest Pantoja has been working extensively on his striking entries and cage-cutting to close the distance more effectively against Van’s movement-based style.

What Adjustments Can Pantoja Make?

Several tactical changes could shift the dynamic in the rematch. Pantoja needs to close distance more efficiently rather than lunging into striking range. His grappling entries off the cage and in the clinch could be more effective than standing takedown attempts. Additionally, Pantoja’s body work could pay dividends over a five-round championship fight, potentially slowing Van’s footwork in the later rounds.

Full UFC 331 Fight Card Highlights

The UFC 331 card extends well beyond the flyweight championship headliner. According to Yahoo Sports, which confirmed the full card details, several compelling bouts round out the event at Crypto.com Arena.

The co-main event features Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy, a lightweight matchup with significant implications for the 155-pound title picture. Tsarukyan, widely considered one of the top contenders in the lightweight division, faces a dangerous and unorthodox Ruffy in a fight that could determine the next challenger for the lightweight title.

Bout	Division	Significance
Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2	Flyweight	Title fight (headline)
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy	Lightweight	Top contender matchup (co-main)

Key Storylines Heading Into the Rematch

The narrative surrounding Van vs. Pantoja 2 extends beyond the simple question of whether the Brazilian can reclaim his title. Several storylines will add layers to the championship rematch.

Can Van Prove the First Win Was Not a Fluke?

Some critics suggested that Van’s title victory came at a moment when Pantoja may not have been fully prepared. A second consecutive win over the former champion would firmly silence any doubts about Van’s legitimacy as the division’s top fighter. Defense of the title against the same opponent who you took it from carries enormous weight in establishing a fighter’s legacy at 125 pounds.

Does Pantoja Still Have Championship-Level Durability?

Pantoja is one of the most experienced flyweights in UFC history, with a deep resume that includes wins over multiple former champions. However, questions remain about whether he can sustain his championship-level performance in the fifth round against a younger, faster opponent. Research shows that fighters who lose their titles and attempt immediate rematches win the second fight approximately 35 to 40 percent of the time across all weight classes.

What Does This Mean for the Flyweight Division?

The result of this rematch will have significant ripple effects throughout the flyweight division. A Van victory would cement his position at the top and likely open the door for new challengers. A Pantoja win would create a trilogy scenario, a rare occurrence in UFC title fights that always generates massive fan interest.

The Significance of Fighting at Crypto.com Arena

UFC 331 takes place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, one of the most iconic venues in combat sports. Hosting a championship flyweight rematch at this venue underscores the UFC’s commitment to elevating the lighter weight classes. Los Angeles has a strong MMA fanbase, and the arena has hosted numerous high-profile UFC events over the years.

The venue choice also signals the UFC’s confidence in Van’s drawing power as a pay-per-view headliner. Championship fights at Crypto.com Arena tend to attract a celebrity-heavy crowd and significant media attention, which will raise the profile of both fighters and the flyweight division as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2?

UFC 331 is scheduled for September 20, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The event will be available as a pay-per-view broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States and through international broadcast partners worldwide.

Who won the first Van vs. Pantoja fight?

Joshua Van won the first fight against Alexandre Pantoja to claim the UFC flyweight championship. Van outpointed Pantoja over five rounds, using effective striking, distance management, and defensive grappling to earn the title.

Is this a title fight?

Yes. Joshua Van will defend the UFC flyweight championship against Alexandre Pantoja. The rematch is the headline bout of UFC 331 and is scheduled for five rounds at 125 pounds.

What other fights are on the UFC 331 card?

The co-main event features Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy in a lightweight contest. The full UFC 331 fight card includes additional bouts across multiple weight classes, with the organization expected to announce further details as the event approaches.

Where can I watch UFC 331?

UFC 331 will be available via pay-per-view on ESPN+ in the United States. International viewers can access the event through local broadcast partners and UFC Fight Pass. Early prelims and prelim cards typically air on ESPN and ESPN+ before the main card begins.

Has Joshua Van defended the title before?

Based on the current timeline, UFC 331 represents an early title defense for Joshua Van after capturing the championship from Pantoja. Van’s first successful defense against a former champion of Pantoja’s caliber would establish him as a legitimate long-term holder of the flyweight crown.

Conclusion

Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 at UFC 331 stands as one of the most anticipated flyweight championship fights in recent UFC history. Van has the opportunity to solidify his reign as champion by defeating Pantoja for a second consecutive time, while the former champion seeks to prove that his first loss was a temporary setback rather than a sign of decline. With the fight headlining a stacked card at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on September 20, 2026, this rematch has all the ingredients for an exceptional night of MMA. For more information about upcoming UFC events, see our guide on the 2026 UFC schedule.

The Bottom Line

The Van-Pantoja rematch at UFC 331 is the defining fight of the 2026 flyweight division. Joshua Van has everything to prove as a first-time title defender against the man he took the belt from. Alexandre Pantoja has everything to gain as a former champion looking to restore his position atop the division. With Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy anchoring the co-main event and Crypto.com Arena providing the stage, UFC 331 is shaping up as one of the year’s most significant pay-per-view events. The outcome of this fight will shape the trajectory of the flyweight division for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.