UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van has indicated his wish for Alexandre Pantoja to have another opportunity at the world title. Van is set to defend his championship against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328, marking his first fight as the reigning champion. This comes after his victory over Pantoja, a win that was influenced by an injury Pantoja sustained early in their bout.
The prospect of a rematch between Van and Pantoja has sparked considerable interest among fans. Despite Pantoja’s longer career and the accumulated wear, his extensive experience could pose significant challenges for Van.
In a recent interview, Joshua Van unequivocally stated his interest in facing Pantoja again in the future.
Joshua Van Discusses Alexandre Pantoja Rematch
“That chapter is closed,” Van told MMA Fighting. “My immediate focus is on Taira. As I’ve said, Pantoja and I will run it back after this fight. I’m not dwelling on it anymore.”
When asked about Pantoja deserving a rematch, Van responded, “Absolutely. He dominated the division. It’s only fitting they grant him the rematch. I truly hope we can face each other again.”
Van also shed light on his recent fight negotiations. “When they initially offered me the fight on two weeks’ notice, they presented Taira or Manel, and I opted for Manel. That didn’t materialize. Then, for March 7, they proposed it, and I agreed. It seems both declined, and now the UFC has confirmed my fight with Tatsuro.”
“I will inevitably fight all these contenders,” Van added. “I’m open to facing anyone. I initially chose Manel because he called me out, and I wanted to settle that, but now I have Tatsuro to contend with. After this, whoever the UFC assigns me.”
Before facing Taira on Saturday night, Van must first secure his victory.
English Translation:
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van has made it clear that he wants to see Alexandre Pantoja get a future rematch for the world title. This weekend at UFC 328, Joshua Van will defend his UFC flyweight championship against Tatsuro Taira. It will serve as his first appearance as champion, following his win over Alexandre Pantoja to claim the strap. Of course, the reason he left with the title was due to Pantoja suffering a nasty injury in the early stages of the fight.
Ever since then, fans have been wondering what a Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja rematch would look like. While Pantoja is certainly further along in his career and has more miles on him, he possesses the necessary experience to cause problems for someone like Van.
In a recent interview, Joshua Van made it crystal clear that he wants to run it back with Pantoja at some point in the future.
Joshua Van on Alexandre Pantoja Rematch
“That is over with,” Van told MMA Fighting. “Right now, I’m just focusing on Taira. Like I said, Pantoja and I are going to run it back anyway after this fight. I don’t think about that anymore.”
“Facts,” Van said about Pantoja deserving the rematch. “He dominated the division. It’s only right they give him the rematch. Yeah, I really hope Pantoja and I can run it back.”
“When they first called me for the two weeks’ notice, they said Taira or Manel, and I said Manel,” Van recalled. “It didn’t go through. Then for March 7, they said let’s do it, and I said yes. Both of them said no, I guess. Now the UFC is like, you’re fighting Tatsuro, and that’s it.”
“I’m definitely going to fight all of these guys anyway. I just want whoever. I just chose Manel because he called me out, so I wanted to run that back, but now I’ve got Tatsuro to worry about. After that, whoever the UFC gives me.”
Quotes via MMA Fighting
Before that, though, Van has to ensure he gets through Taira on Saturday night.
