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Pantoja seeks redemption in UFC flyweight title rematch against Joshua Van
The 36-year-old Brazilian enters the bout as a betting underdog after losing the belt via a freak injury in their first meeting.
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Event
UFC 331 Fight Card Predictions and Odds Announced
Alexandre Pantoja is set to face Joshua Van in a rematch for the UFC 125-pound title at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. Pantoja, who lost the belt to Van via a freak elbow dislocation just 26 seconds into their first meeting at UFC 323, aims to recapture the championship. The 36-year-old Brazilian, who has not stopped training since his injury, enters the fight as a betting underdog after previously being a favourite. Van, a 24-year-old from Myanmar, has won seven consecutive fights since his initial victory over Pantoja.
2 published stories · ufc-331 · source reliability 33%
Background
Why this event matters
Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his position in the UFC flyweight division against Joshua Van in a title rematch at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. Pantoja, 36, lost the championship to Van via a freak elbow dislocation just 26 seconds into their first meeting at UFC 323 in December. Despite the injury, Pantoja returned to training two days later and claims his right hand is now "very powerful" following rehabilitation. Van, a 24-year-old from Myanmar, has won seven consecutive fights since his initial victory, including a Fight of the Year performance against Brandon Royval in 2025. Pantoja enters the bout as a betting underdog, having been a 3-to-1 favourite in their first encounter.
event-brief
UFC 331 Fight Card Predictions and Odds Announced
Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his position in the UFC flyweight division against Joshua Van in a title rematch at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. Pantoja, 36, lost the championship to Van via a freak elbow dislocation just 26 seconds into their first meeting at UFC 323 in December.
Reporting trail
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/ufc/news/ufc-331-alexandre-pantoja-joshua-van-rematch-injury | published 2026-09-19T00:30:46.000Z | primary sourceCBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/ufc/news/ufc-331-fight-card-predictions-joshua-van-alexandre-pantoja-expert-picks | published 2026-09-18T23:06:10.000Z | primary source
Fact cards
entity brief
UFC 331 Fight Card Predictions and Odds Announced: key people and institutions
Key entities: Alexandre Pantoja, Joshua Van, UFC, Los Angeles, Paramount+.
faq brief
UFC 331 Fight Card Predictions and Odds Announced: key questions
How did Pantoja lose the title in their first meeting? He suffered a freak elbow dislocation just 26 seconds into the fight at UFC 323. What is Joshua Van’s current form? He has won seven consecutive fights since defeating Pantoja. Who is the betting favourite for the rematch? Jo
source brief
UFC 331 Fight Card Predictions and Odds Announced: reporting sources
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/ufc/news/ufc-331-alexandre-pantoja-joshua-van-rematch-injury | published 2026-09-19T00:30:46.000Z | primary source | CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/ufc/news/ufc-331-fight-card-predictions-joshua-van-alexandre-pantoja-expert-picks | p
timeline brief
UFC 331 Fight Card Predictions and Odds Announced: timeline
2018: Pantoja moved to Florida to train at American Top Team. 2025: Joshua Van delivered a Fight of the Year performance against Brandon Royval. December 2025: Pantoja lost the UFC 125-pound title to Van via elbow dislocation at UFC 323. 2026-08-23: Scheduled date for the Pantoja
Timeline
2018
Pantoja moved to Florida to train at American Top Team.
2025
Joshua Van delivered a Fight of the Year performance against Brandon Royval.
December 2025
Pantoja lost the UFC 125-pound title to Van via elbow dislocation at UFC 323.
2026-08-23
Scheduled date for the Pantoja-Van rematch at UFC 331 in Los Angeles.
FAQ
How did Pantoja lose the title in their first meeting?
He suffered a freak elbow dislocation just 26 seconds into the fight at UFC 323.
What is Joshua Van’s current form?
He has won seven consecutive fights since defeating Pantoja.
Who is the betting favourite for the rematch?
Joshua Van is the favourite, while Pantoja is the underdog.
Where is UFC 331 taking place?
The event is scheduled for Los Angeles.
Who is headlining UFC 331?
Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja are set to fight for the flyweight title.
How did Joshua Van originally win the flyweight title?
He won when Alexandre Pantoja suffered an arm injury in their first meeting.
Who is the co-main event?
Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy will fight in a lightweight bout.
What are the expert predictions for the main event?
Opinions are divided, with some experts favouring Pantoja and others favouring Van.