Joshua Van, Alexandre Pantoja Face Off Ahead of UFC 331 Rematch

UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van and former champion Alexandre Pantoja came face-to-face on Thursday during the pre-fight press conference for UFC 331. The two flyweights are set to meet in a highly anticipated rematch on Saturday night.

During the faceoff, the two fighters displayed starkly contrasting demeanors. Van appeared relaxed and was all smiles, while Pantoja remained stern and visibly intense. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby stood between them to ensure order before the two were separated, after which Van continued smiling and posed with his championship belt as Pantoja was directed away.

Van captured the 125-pound title after a freak injury brought an end to Pantoja's championship reign, which had previously seen the Brazilian chasing Demetrious Johnson's historic title defense mark. Pantoja now enters Saturday aiming to reclaim the belt, while Van looks to cement his standing and validate his claims of being the division's best ever with another victory.