Joshua Van faces Alexandre Pantoja return with unfinished business looming

Alexandre Pantoja has made it clear his UFC return hinges on settling scores with Myanmar’s Joshua Van. The flyweight contender told reporters this week he won’t rest until he faces the man he still owes a fight.

What did Pantoja say?

Pantoja told reporters he has unfinished business with Joshua Van and plans to make their matchup a reality after his next outing. The Brazilian star didn’t name a date or opponent for that return, but he put Van squarely in his sights. “I have unfinished business with Joshua Van,” Pantoja said. “That’s a fight I need to get done.”

Why does this matter for Joshua Van?

For Van, the statement is a career boost. The Myanmar flyweight has been on the radar since his 2024 debut, but a high-profile name like Pantoja putting him in the crosshairs raises his profile overnight. Van’s camp has not yet responded publicly, but the attention could fast-track a ranked opponent or even a title eliminator. The division is stacked, and a win over Pantoja would catapult Van into the top five.

What happens next for both men?

Pantoja’s next fight will likely be a flyweight title defense or a ranked contender clash, depending on the UFC’s booking. If he stays healthy, he could land in the cage within six months. For Van, the path now runs through ranked flyweights and possibly a slot in a four-man tournament the UFC has floated for 2027. Either way, the clock is ticking on their potential showdown.

Where does this leave the flyweight division?

The division just got spicier. Pantoja’s return adds heat to the lower weight class, where Brandon Royval and Alex Perez already lurk. Van, meanwhile, has quietly amassed a 7-1 record with five stoppages. A Pantoja-Van fight would sell tickets and PPV buys, especially in Asia where Van’s market is growing fast.