Alexandre Pantoja Focused Strictly on Joshua Van Rematch at UFC 331
Former UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja says he is not interested in hyping his rematch against Joshua Van and is solely focused on their UFC 331 bout.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight titleholder Alexandre Pantoja (30-6) will look to reclaim the championship against Joshua Van (17-2) at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Rather than stoking the flames of their rivalry during fight week, the former champion is keeping his attention entirely on the contest itself.
Pantoja noted that the lead-up to this second clash will differ from their previous bout, explaining that he is skipping promotional theatrics. “Now it’s gonna be a little bit different than last time,” Pantoja told Full Send MMA, according to Sherdog. “I don’t try to sell this fight anymore; I’m here to fight.
I’m in fight week and I’m not here for the press conference; I’m here for Saturday night. I know people love the press conference and all that, but I gave you a good show last time.”
While the dynamic between the two was amicable ahead of their initial meeting last year, a press conference following the rematch announcement saw Van taking verbal shots at Pantoja. Despite the rising tension, and with both competitors predicting stoppage wins at UFC 331, Pantoja reiterated that his mind remains solely focused on Saturday night.
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