Joshua Van Retains UFC Flyweight Title

Joshua Van retained the UFC flyweight title at UFC 331 on Sept. 19, defeating Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision in a competitive five-round rematch at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Van used superior boxing, speed and composure to control most striking exchanges, while Pantoja’s takedowns produced periods of ground control but limited damage. The victory marked Van’s second title defense and eighth consecutive win, dispelling doubts from their first meeting, which ended after Pantoja suffered an early arm and shoulder injury. Elsewhere on the card, Arman Tsarukyan stopped Mauricio Ruffy with standing elbows, Sean Sharaf knocked out Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson in 12 seconds as a 10-to-1 underdog, and Alonzo Menifield suffered a serious thumb injury in which the bone reportedly protruded through the skin.