Joshua Van retains UFC flyweight title with unanimous decision over Alexandre Pantoja

Rematch ends previous fight doubts

The judges scored the five-round contest 50-45, 49-46 and 49-47 in favor of Van. Dana White noted that the live gate reached $8.3 million for a sellout crowd of 19,357 people. This figure set a new record for Crypto.com Arena.

Fight details and round breakdown

Pantoja controlled the fourth round by taking Van down but could not submit him. In the final round, Van knocked Pantoja down with an overhand right to secure the victory. The result cleared up doubts from their first bout where Van won via TKO.

Next challenger identified for title

Manel Kape of Angola is currently on a four-fight win streak and is considered the next challenger. Kape has won all his recent fights by knockout. Van extended his professional record to 18 wins and two losses.