Pantoja vs Van Prediction
✨ Las Vegas will host UFC 323. In the co-main event of the evening, Alexandre Pantoja will face Joshua Van. The UFC Flyweight Championship, currently held by the Brazilian, will be on the line. Does the representative from Myanmar stand any chance? Read the prediction below.
H2H Stats Fights and Previous Results
Alexandre Pantoja Player Overview
The reigning UFC flyweight champion, 35-year-old Alexandre Pantoja from Brazil (30-5), currently holds the fifth spot in the prestigious pound-for-pound rankings. Since January 2017, this talented Brazilian has been a key figure in the world's leading MMA promotion. His long journey to the top reached its climax in July 2023, when he claimed the coveted title by defeating his fierce rival Brandon Moreno in a hard-fought bout that ended with a split decision. Since ascending to the throne, Pantoja has showcased impressive dominance in his weight class, successfully defending his championship four times against a series of top contenders, including Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, Alex Perez, and Kai Kara-France.
Match Results: Alexandre Pantoja
Joshua van Player Overview
The young and promising fighter from Myanmar, 24-year-old Joshua Van (15-2), has made a name for himself as a true finisher, ending 60% of his bouts early. His journey to the UFC began in 2023 following successful performances in the American promotion Fury FC. After an impressive streak of three consecutive victories in the world's premier fighting organization, Van faced his first major challenge against Charles Johnson, who knocked him out cold. However, this setback only fueled the young prospect's determination: just two months later, he returned to the octagon and secured a convincing win over Edgar Chairez. From December 2024 to July 2025, Joshua Van showcased a phenomenal run, claiming four consecutive victories and rapidly ascending to the position of top contender in the flyweight division (up to 57 kg). The pinnacle of this rapid ascent came with a spectacular victory over the seasoned Brandon Royval in June 2025-a bout that many experts are already hailing as one of the most thrilling in flyweight history.
Match Results: Joshua van
Latest news
Alexandre Pantoja
Pantoja on the upcoming fight:
“He's a tough guy. I've watched him fight: young, very hungry - I think he will be the biggest challenge of my career. I've been keeping an eye on Joshua for a while now, and he's looked incredible in his recent bouts, dominating everyone with his outstanding takedown defense.”
Joshua van
Van on the upcoming fight:
“People are framing our bout as a clash between an old and a young fighter, but I don't like that narrative. This is the same Pantoja everyone talks about as being unbeatable. I don't want to hear that he's old. I believe he'll come out as the best version of Pantoja you can imagine. I feel like I can knock him out within three rounds. If not, it’s going to be a war. You know Pantoja. He’ll come forward, and so will I. I think I can get it done in three rounds, but I'm ready for five. Let's see how it all unfolds on December 6, because we can make all the plans we want, but fight night can turn out completely different. One thing I can say is that I'm prepared for anything he brings that evening.”
⭐ Editor's Prediction
Bookmakers are clearly backing the champion, and it's entirely justified. Pantoja, with his impressive versatility, is poised to outstrike Van on the feet with effective kicks and flawless distance control. If the fight goes to the ground, the Brazilian will undoubtedly hunt for his opponent's neck with dangerous intent. Given the multifaceted skills of the dominant Brazilian champion, he has every chance of securing another successful title defense.
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