Joshua Van Escalates Verbal Exchange Ahead of UFC 331 Title Defense

UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van has ramped up the psychological warfare ahead of his highly anticipated rematch against former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja. The two are scheduled to headline UFC 331, taking place this Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

Leading up to the main event, Van has adopted an aggressive stance toward his challenger. In comments reported by MMA Mania, Van characterized the nature of his rivalry with Pantoja by stating, "I’m his dad!" and insisted that the former champion "should get smacked" during their upcoming encounter. The rhetoric marks a notable shift in intensity as both fighters prepare for their high-stakes meeting.

This bout serves as the marquee attraction for the UFC 331 card, with both athletes looking to make a definitive statement in a division where the championship landscape remains volatile. For fantasy managers, this fight presents a pivotal opportunity to evaluate point production between two high-volume strikers with contrasting paths to victory. Van’s recent confidence, combined with the personal nature of the build-up, suggests a competitive headlining bout as both men look to secure or reclaim the top spot in the flyweight rankings.

Source: MMA Mania.