Dec 6, 2025
🥊 Pre-Fight — The Champ vs the Wonderkid
This matchup had classic “veteran champion vs rising phenom” energy. Joshua Van came in undefeated in the UFC and known for his explosive hand speed, but Alexandre Pantoja entered as the flyweight king with championship experience and a grappling advantage. Fans wondered if Van’s sharp boxing could crack Pantoja’s pressure-heavy style — but the champ came in laser-focused.
🔥 Round 1 — Pantoja Sets the Tone
Pantoja wasted no time applying pressure, cutting off Van’s footwork and forcing him backward. He mixed in level changes, clinches, and early takedown attempts that immediately slowed Van’s rhythm. For beginners: Pantoja didn’t let Van get comfortable or plant his feet to strike. For die-hard fans: Pantoja’s ability to chain takedowns into body locks made Van react instead of create openings. A clear Pantoja round.
🔥 Round 2 — Wrestling Takes Over
This is where the fight shifted heavily. Pantoja dragged Van to the mat repeatedly and controlled him with body triangles, wrist rides, and nonstop top pressure. Van tried to create scrambles, but the champ won every key transition. The young prospect landed some clean punches when standing, but the grappling difference was overwhelming. Pantoja’s cardio and experience showed major separation here.
🔥 Round 3 — The Champ Closes Strong
Van needed a finish, but Pantoja shut everything down. His grappling control, clinch pressure, and pace drowned out Van’s striking attempts. Even in the exchanges where Van showed flashes, Pantoja immediately smothered him with takedowns or clinch entries. The veteran dominated every area, riding out a clear and convincing decision win.
🏁 Post-Fight — A Champion’s Statement
Pantoja proved once again why he’s the flyweight king: relentless, smart, experienced, and impossible to shake. Van showed promise, speed, and toughness — but he wasn’t ready for the championship layers and suffocating style Pantoja brings. The champ turned what many thought could be a close fight into a technical grappling clinic.
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