Reigning UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van has expressed his desire to see a future rematch between Alexandre Pantoja and himself for the world title.
Van is set to defend his championship against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328. This will mark his first title defense since defeating Pantoja to claim the belt. Pantoja’s injury during their previous bout played a significant role in the outcome.
The prospect of a rematch between Van and Pantoja has generated considerable interest among fans. Despite Pantoja’s more extensive career and experience, he possesses the skills to pose a challenge to Van.
In a recent interview, Joshua Van explicitly stated his intention to face Pantoja again at some point in the future.
Joshua Van Discusses Alexandre Pantoja Rematch
“That chapter is closed,” Van told MMA Fighting. “My current focus is on Taira. As I’ve said, Pantoja and I will run it back after this fight. I’m not dwelling on that anymore.”
Van acknowledged Pantoja’s claim to a rematch, stating, “He dominated the division. It’s only fitting that he gets the rematch. Yes, I truly hope he and I can have that second fight.”
“When they initially offered me the fight on two weeks’ notice, they presented Taira or Manel, and I chose Manel,” Van explained. “That didn’t materialize. Then, for March 7th, they proposed it, and I accepted. It seems both declined, and now the UFC has decided I’ll fight Tatsuro, and that’s final.”
“Ultimately, I will fight all of these contenders anyway. I just want whoever is next. I specifically chose Manel because he had called me out, and I wanted to settle that. But now I have Tatsuro to contend with. After that, whoever the UFC puts in front of me.”
Van emphasized that he must first overcome Taira on Saturday night before considering any future matchups.
