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The 24-year-old flyweight champ will be going head-to-head with Alexandre Pantoja once again at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, where both can finally resolve their unfinished business. In their last bout at UFC 323, Van defeated Pantoja just 26 seconds into the bout due to the latter suffering an injury during the bout.
Since then, Van managed to defeat Tatsuro Taira in the fifth round at UFC 328. However, now that Pantoja is back, both are expected to go head-to-head in a full championship bout. At the moment, Van has a professional record of 17-2.
Why Pantoja Is Dangerous
Pantoja is not the type of challenger who can be judged only by the result of his first fight with Van. Prior to giving up his belt to Van, Pantoja has successfully defended the title in four bouts by defeating Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, Kai Asakura and Kai Kara-France.
Moreover, Pantoja is an accomplished fighter and boasts 12 submission and eight knockout victories. This makes the prospect of the upcoming rematch much more interesting than the first one because Pantoja has the experience of fighting in championship matches and knows what it feels like to defeat elite fighters.
It is expected that Pantoja will be trying to take the bout into submission by making Van struggle to defend himself. While Van has demonstrated his ability to cope with pressure, Pantoja’s skills of changing the pace of the fight are one of the reasons why this match-up should be considered serious.
Van’s Biggest Advantage
One thing about Van that makes him a worthy champion is the level of confidence and speed he has. His attributes help him keep the action flowing throughout the entire fight. His win against Taira is a very important one for him because it proved that he is able to be a danger to his opponents up until the last round of a five-round championship match. He finished off his opponent in that round instead of just surviving the fight until the fifth round.
Van is also younger than Pantoja and at the age of 24, he continues to gain more experience each time he steps into the Octagon. In the UFC, Van is the second-youngest champion they have ever had, after Jon Jones.
The Pick for the Fight
It is difficult to argue that Pantoja could not defeat Van. Pantoja is an experienced and skillful fighter who can easily make the matchup highly competitive. However, Van is expected to win because he has improved the most.
He has successfully defended his belt and has won seven consecutive fights in the UFC. His pace will likely remain effective even in the later stages of the fight. Pantoja is likely to have successful moments when slowing the fight down and creating opportunities to grapple. However, Van will likely have an advantage at distance, particularly if he is given space to use his striking and movement effectively.
What Could Change the Pick
There are a number of potential issues that may prove to invalidate this prediction very quickly. First of all, we have to consider Pantoja’s ability to lure Van into a wrestling match. If the former champion can get close, take Van down, and force him to defend against submissions, it could test his speed and confidence in ways that are difficult to predict from his previous fights.
Another issue that has to be taken into account is patience. Five rounds in a title fight gives the advantage to fighters who know how to properly use their attacks and how to rest. Even though Van has proven himself to fight hard, Pantoja has a lot more championship-level experience.
Finally, there is the problem of pressure that comes from the fact of being a champion. Van is not a young up-and-comer anymore – he is the one everyone wants to beat.
The Partnership Adds More Attention
Van’s fight career is now growing alongside his profile outside the Octagon. His partnership with Rainbet gives the champion another commercial platform at a time when interest in him is increasing.
Sportsbook partnerships are a sign that an athlete is recognizable beyond the audience that follows every fight. Van went from a young fighter building his name in Houston to a UFC champion. He now enters one of the biggest matches of his career with an expanding public profile.
Fans who follow the fight through Rainbet can engage with the conversation around this championship bout. The commercial side does not change what happens inside the cage, but it does underline how far Van’s name has come since he entered the UFC in 2023.
It is Highly Likely that Van Keeps the Belt
There is a strong case to be made for either fighter, which makes this rematch particularly interesting. Pantoja brings championship experience, elite submission skills and a clear path to reclaiming the title. Van has youth, momentum and the confidence gained from successfully defending the belt over five rounds. The September matchup is an opportunity for Van to establish himself at the top of the division or for Pantoja to begin another championship run.
Van will have the advantage if he keeps the fight at range, forces Pantoja to work for every entry and maintains his pace into the later rounds. A decision victory for Van is a reasonable prediction, although Pantoja’s experience and grappling ability will likely make every round highly competitive. For readers interested in market-based perspectives before fight night, the UFC Fight Predictions & Picks section will provide a good reference point. Predictions should always be treated as opinions rather than guarantees.
