Joshua Van Fires Back at Alexandre Pantoja Ahead of UFC 331 Rematch
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van brushed off Alexandre Pantoja's recent criticisms ahead of their rematch at UFC 331. The tension between the two fighters has escalated following the bizarre conclusion of their first bout.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
The dynamic between UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja has shifted dramatically ahead of their rematch at UFC 331. While both fighters remained respectful ahead of their first encounter, the buildup to the rematch has been fueled by escalating hostility following a heated pre-fight press conference.
Tensions reached a boiling point when Pantoja claimed UFC CEO Dana White had to step in to stop him from slapping Van, adding that Van's disrespect warranted parental discipline. Van dismissed the former champion's comments during UFC 331 media day on Wednesday, escalating the war of words. "As far as I checked, I’m his dad," Van said.
"I don’t know what he was talking about. The shit that he’s been saying, he should get smacked for that."
The bad blood originates from their first clash, which ended abruptly when Pantoja suffered a freak injury just seconds into the fight, resulting in Van capturing the flyweight championship. While Pantoja was sidelined recovering, Van embraced his championship reign and went on to defend his 125-pound title against Tatsuro Taira in one of the year's top fights.
Van believes Pantoja's hostility stems from frustration over losing the belt and accused the Brazilian of playing the victim. According to the champion, Pantoja is attempting to portray himself as the good guy in promotional materials and interviews. Despite the verbal barbs, Van noted that the talking will stop when the cage door closes on Saturday to determine the division's best fighter.
Sources
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