Van vs Pantoja Prediction 20 September 2026
⭐️ The main event at UFC 331 features a flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja. Their first encounter, back in December 2025, ended abruptly just 26 seconds in after the Brazilian suffered a hand injury. Now, Pantoja gets his shot at reclaiming the belt, while Van is determined to prove his championship reign is no fluke. How will this rematch unfold? Check out our prediction below.
Joshua Van Player Overview
Joshua Van, 24, enters this rematch with a 17-2 record and the status of reigning UFC champion. Since joining the world’s premier promotion in 2023, Van has bounced back from an early setback to rattle off four straight wins. In his first meeting with Pantoja, Van capitalized on his opportunity and captured the belt in just 26 seconds. This past May, he made his first title defense, stopping Tatsuro Taira in the fifth round. As for his style, the young champion is known for his blistering speed, relentless pace, and the ability to maintain high intensity throughout the fight.
Match Results: Joshua Van
Alexandre Pantoja Player Overview
36-year-old Alexandre Pantoja boasts a 30-6 record and has long been regarded as a dominant force in the flyweight division. The Brazilian has defended his championship belt four times, notching victories over Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, Kai Asakura, and Kai Kara-France. Pantoja seamlessly blends sharp striking with relentless grappling, making him a well-rounded threat inside the Octagon. After suffering a hand injury, Pantoja spent more than nine months on the sidelines, leaving some questions about his current form. Still, his championship pedigree and hunger to reclaim the belt make the Brazilian a formidable challenge for the young titleholder-a fact that simply cannot be ignored.
Match Results: Alexandre Pantoja
⭐ Editor's Pick
Van has already proven he can pose serious problems for Pantoja, and we expect him to do so again. The champion’s youth and speed should be decisive against his 36-year-old opponent, who is returning after a lengthy layoff. We anticipate Joshua will look to push the pace, keep moving, and deny the Brazilian any chance to settle into his grappling game. While Pantoja remains dangerous in close quarters, it will be a real challenge for him to match Joshua’s relentless activity over five rounds. Our pick: Van to win.