Another Hunt For Alexandre Pantoja For UFC 323

The UFC flyweight division has seen many dominant champions in the past, but very few have maintained the type of momentum, precision, and consistency that Alexandre Pantoja brings inside the Octagon.

The current flyweight champion has repeatedly proved why he sits at the top. His pace, his grappling pressure, his durability, and his calmness under fire make him one of the most difficult puzzles to solve in MMA today.

Now, as UFC 323 approaches, another challenger steps forward. This time, the rising star Joshua Van gets the call.

Fans are already buzzing about the matchup because while many contenders have tried and failed, Van represents a newer generation with hunger, skill, and youth on his side.

But the question remains: Is this going to be another easy hunt for Alexandre Pantoja, or could Joshua Van shock the world?

This article breaks down the fighters, the buildup, the history, the fighting styles, and everything surrounding this crucial flyweight title fight.

Pantoja’s Dominance: A Champion With No Visible Weakness

In recent years, Alexandre Pantoja has evolved into a fighter who looks nearly impossible to beat at 125 pounds.

His track record proves it. Every opponent whether a knockout machine, a slick submission artist, or a well-rounded contender has struggled to match Pantoja’s pace and unpredictability.

A Champion Tested Against the Best

Pantoja hasn’t just beaten top fighters; he has finished and broken many in ways that highlight the gap between him and the rest of the division.

UFC tried throwing Rizin champion Kai Asakura at him, but Pantoja dismantled him without much difficulty.

The same happened with several rising UFC stars who entered the cage with hope but walked out with disappointment.

And then came Kai Kara-France, a New Zealand knockout artist and one of the most dangerous flyweights in UFC.

Many believed Kara-France had the striking style to trouble the champion. But instead, Pantoja dominated and secured another convincing victory.

His ability to control the fight tempo and shut down explosive strikers once again proved why he is the most complete flyweight fighter today.

What Makes Pantoja So Hard to Beat?

Pantoja’s success does not come from a single specialty. Instead, it’s a combination of attributes that form a complete championship package:

• Elite grappling with dangerous submissions
• High fight IQ and patience
• Explosive counters
• Iron chin and strong recovery
• Cardio that holds up in long fights
• Experience against world-class opponents

When opponents try to strike with him, he finds openings. When they attempt takedowns, he scrambles and takes the back.

When they want to slow the fight down, he pressures them until they break.

This is why the UFC flyweight division currently revolves around one question: Who can actually stop Alexandre Pantoja?

Joshua Van: The Young Threat Who Earned His Title Shot

While Pantoja remains the king, a fresh contender has risen in the shadows Joshua Van, one of the brightest prospects in the flyweight division.

His arrival has given fans a new storyline in a division that many felt had no real threat left for the champion.

Van isn’t just winning; he’s dominating. Fight after fight, he shows that he belongs among the elite.

But what truly placed him into title contention was his recent victory over top contender Brandon Royval, one of the most unpredictable and dangerous fighters in the division.

Joshua Van’s Breakthrough Moment

At the same event where Pantoja defeated Kai Kara-France, Joshua Van delivered a statement performance by beating Royval.

This win was more than just another number on his record, it changed the entire flyweight landscape.

Fans saw a young fighter with composure, accuracy, and confidence dismantle a man known for chaos, pressure, and slick submissions.

The UFC took notice

Immediately after the fight, discussion grew around whether Van should be next for the champion.

And with the lack of fresh contenders, the promotion quickly decided to move forward with the matchup for UFC 323.

Van’s youth, energy, and aggressive style make him an exciting challenger and fortunately for fans, he’s not afraid to take risks.

What Makes Joshua Van Special?

Joshua Van is not the typical young fighter who relies on raw athleticism alone. His tools and fight style show maturity beyond his age:

• Sharp, snappy striking with great timing
• Ability to maintain pressure without rushing
• Technical footwork that minimizes defensive gaps
• Fast transitions and scrambling ability
• Strong mental game — no panic even in tough positions

He has beaten opponents with different styles, and his confidence continues to grow with every victory.

While many young fighters crumble under the bright lights, Van seems to thrive under them.

How the Fight Was Made: UFC’s Search for a New Opponent

The UFC flyweight division has always been known for fast-paced fights but has struggled to produce long-term stars.

With Pantoja clearing out nearly every top fighter, UFC matchmakers needed someone fresh someone with hype, excitement, and momentum.

The UFC Tried Multiple Opponents Before

Before settling on Joshua Van, the UFC considered:

• Kai Asakura (already dismantled by Pantoja)
• Kai Kara-France (recently defeated by Pantoja)
• Brandon Royval (lost to Van)
• Amir Albazi (inactive and recovering from injury)
• Matheus Nicolau (inconsistent results)
• Manel Kape (missed weight multiple times)

With limited options and the division lacking clarity, the UFC finally recognized that Joshua Van was not just an option he was the only fighter who made sense.

His recent win, growing popularity, and undefeated UFC run created the perfect storyline for UFC 323.

The Matchup Breakdown: Pantoja vs Joshua Van

This fight is exciting not just because of names, but because of the stylistic contrast.

Striking

• Pantoja: Unpredictable counters, strong boxing, underrated power. He doesn’t throw high combinations but picks his shots wisely.
• Van: Fast hands, sharp combinations, and youthful explosiveness. He is more fluid and lighter on the feet than Pantoja.

Advantage: Van (speed), Pantoja (experience)

Grappling

• Pantoja: The dangerous area for any flyweight. His back takes are unmatched in the division, and his submission setups come naturally.
• Van: Good scrambling ability but nowhere near Pantoja’s grappling level yet.

Advantage: Pantoja

Cardio and Pressure

• Pantoja can push a pace for five rounds without fading.
• Van has shown good cardio but hasn’t been tested in a championship fight.

Advantage: Pantoja

Experience

• Pantoja has fought the best of the best: Moreno, Kara-France, Royval, Asakura, and many others.
• Van is still new to the highest level.

Advantage: Pantoja

Why Joshua Van Still Has a Chance

Even though Pantoja holds the advantages, Joshua Van isn’t entering UFC 323 just to participate. He has key strengths that could cause problems:

Early-Round Speed

Van starts fast, and early pressure could force Pantoja into defensive positions.

Sharp Combinations

Van lands clean and precise strikes that could potentially cut or hurt Pantoja.

Youthful Durability

Younger fighters tend to absorb damage better and recover quicker — a big factor in high-paced fights.

Nothing to Lose

Van enters as the underdog, which allows him to take more risks without fear.

These factors make Van dangerous, especially in the first two rounds. If he can avoid Pantoja’s grappling traps and keep the fight standing, he could make it competitive.

Why This Fight Still Looks Like Another Hunt for Pantoja

Despite Van’s talent, the reality is that Pantoja is operating at a different level right now. He dismantled proven champions and contenders with ease.

He knows how to neutralize younger fighters, and he rarely makes mistakes in big moments.

Experience in Five-Round Fights

Championship rounds change everything. Pantoja has shown he can stay dangerous for 25 minutes. Van has never experienced that pressure.

Grappling Advantage

One misstep from Van, and Pantoja can take the back and finish the fight. This alone makes the champion a heavy favorite.

Mental Edge

Pantoja has been through wars. He doesn’t panic or hesitate. Van has yet to face a fighter who pushes him mentally the way Pantoja will.

Champion’s Confidence

When a champion is winning consistently, they enter fights with a different mindset. Pantoja knows his strengths and trusts them completely.

Because of all these reasons, many fans believe UFC 323 will be another case of Pantoja hunting down yet another contender and defending his belt with authority.

What This Fight Means for the Flyweight Division

The flyweight division has struggled at times, but this matchup brings new energy.

If Van wins, the division opens up entirely with new matchups, new storylines, and new possibilities.

If Pantoja wins, he continues building one of the strongest title reigns in recent flyweight history.

Either way, UFC 323 becomes a turning point.

If Pantoja Wins

• He solidifies himself as one of the greatest flyweights ever.
• New contenders will need more time to develop.
• Discussions start about super fights or moving up a weight class.

If Van Wins

• A new younger champion emerges.
• The division becomes wide open.
• Immediate rematches and fresh rivalries begin.

Final Thoughts: Is It Too Soon for Joshua Van?

Joshua Van is a tremendous talent. The hype is real, and his skills speak for themselves.

But stepping into a title fight with someone like Alexandre Pantoja is a massive challenge, especially this early into his UFC career.

The question is not whether Van is good, he clearly is. The real question is whether he is ready for a champion operating at the highest possible level.

As of now, the matchup looks like another hunt for Alexandre Pantoja. The champion has seen it all, beaten them all, and continues to perform at a level unmatched in today’s flyweight division.

But UFC fans know one thing: anything can happen in a fight. And if Joshua Van finds the right moment, he could shock everyone.

Until then, UFC 323 remains one of the most intriguing title fights of the year, a dominant champion versus a hungry young contender.