UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van (right) overwhelms Japanese contender Tatsuro Taira on the feet during his first title defense in May. [UFC]
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van (right) overwhelms Japanese contender Tatsuro Taira on the feet during his first title defense in May. [UFC]

UFC flyweight (125 lbs) champion Joshua Van (24, Myanmar/United States) will face former champion Alexandre Pantoja (36, Brazil) in a rematch.

"Crypto.com UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2" takes place Sept. 20 (Korea Standard Time) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, and will be broadcast live on Tving. The main card begins at 10 a.m., with the undercard starting at 8 a.m.

Van (17-2), the Myanmar-born champion, wants to deliver another highlight-reel performance and cement his status as the world's premier flyweight. One of the fastest-rising stars in the UFC, Van has won fans over with bonus-earning victories over Tatsuro Taira and Brandon Royval. He now aims to prove his first win over Pantoja was no fluke and extend what he hopes will be a long and impressive reign.

Pantoja (30-6) returns to the octagon determined to reclaim the championship belt he surrendered in their first meeting due to injury. The holder of UFC flyweight records for most wins (14), most finishes (8) and most submissions (6), Pantoja has built his legacy with dominant victories over Kai Kara-France, Kai Asakura and Brandon Royval. He is now resolved to beat Van decisively and prove himself the greatest flyweight in history.

Choi Doo-ho lands a powerful uppercut on Nate Landwehr at UFC 310 in December 2024. [UFC]
Choi Doo-ho lands a powerful uppercut on Nate Landwehr at UFC 310 in December 2024. [UFC]

The co-main event features a lightweight (155 lbs) bout with title implications. No. 2-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan (29, Russia/Armenia) takes on No. 10 Mauricio Ruffy (30, Brazil).

Tsarukyan (23-3) returns to action looking to secure a shot at the lightweight title. Riding an impressive five-fight winning streak, the well-rounded fighter has notable finishes over Dan Hooker, Beneil Dariush and Joel Alvarez. He aims to dominate Ruffy, solidify his standing at the top of the lightweight division and make himself the star of the event.

Hard-hitting striker Ruffy (14-2) returns quickly, intent on delivering another stunning finish. With 13 of his 14 wins coming by knockout, Ruffy has established himself as a must-watch fighter with victories over Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev and King Green. He now seeks the biggest win of his career and a shot at the lightweight title.

Also on the card, "Korean Super Boy" Choi Doo-ho (17-1-4) meets featherweight No. 15 Patricio "Pitbull" (37-9, Brazil), while fellow Korean Yoo Ju-sang (9-1) clashes with Michael Azeez Jr. (11-5, United States).


yjc@heraldcorp.com