Pantoja (30-6) tries to reclaim
Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight title against Van (17-2) at UFC 331 September 19 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Instead of having a rivalry ahead of the rematch, the former champion is only thinking about the fight.
Alexandre Pantoja says his only focus is beating Joshua Van at UFC 331
Pantoja says his rematch against Van will be different than their first. The Brazilian has no sense of building this fight as a rivalry and doesn’t even care about the press conference or other pre-fight customs. Although Pantoja knows the fans like some of the pre-fight jokes, he believes he gave them their fair share last time out.
“It’s a little bit different now than last time,” Pantoja told Full Send MMA. “I’m not trying to sell this fight anymore; I’m here to fight. I’ve got fight week and I’m not here for the press conference; I’m here Saturday night. It doesn’t matter what he’s talking about. I know people like the press conference and all that, but I gave you a good show last time. My mind is just focused on Saturday.”
While the dynamic between the two was amicable in their first meeting last year, the press following the announcement of the rematch had Van hitting on Pantoja, who took no disrespect.
Alexandre Pantoja says don’t expect any trash talk this week
Joshua Van at UFC 331 because he’s locked up“I’m not trying to sell it anymore, I’m here to fight. I’m not here for a press conference; I’m here Saturday night. My mind is only focused on Saturday.” pic.twitter.com/fQI8JetyUr
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma)
15 September 2026
