Van and Pantoja Set for Flyweight Title Rematch at UFC 331
The fight gives both men a clear chance to settle whether Van’s 26‑second title win was definitive or the result of Pantoja’s injury.
Overview
- The rematch is confirmed as the UFC 331 main event on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will air on Paramount+.
- Van won their first meeting at UFC 323 by a 26‑second stoppage after Pantoja injured his elbow and then retained the belt by TKO over Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328.
- Van says he wants to prove his first victory was not a fluke and has cited Pantoja’s post‑fight comments as extra motivation.
- Pantoja says he has changed his training, diet, and sleep and calls himself hungrier now as he aims to regain the title.
- UFC promotion has released a Countdown video and finalized the rest of the card, including a five‑round lightweight co‑main of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy, and the outcome is likely to settle the flyweight pecking order and personal rivalry between the fighters.