Joshua Van retains UFC flyweight title with unanimous decision over Alexandre Pantoja

Joshua Van kept the UFC flyweight championship on Saturday night in Los Angeles, winning a unanimous decision over Alexandre Pantoja. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-47 and 50-45 in Van's favor after five rounds of striking and grappling exchanges. Van landed several heavy punches, including a right hand that knocked Pantoja to the canvas in the fifth round, and defended multiple takedown attempts throughout the fight.

Pantoja, who said he wants a rematch, expressed frustration over a cut on his eye that resulted from an accidental clash of heads. He added, "People maybe don't give me the recognition, but I want to be the best fighter in the world and I want the rematch more than ever." Van's performance was described by observers as one of the strongest of his young career, leaving little doubt about his standing atop the flyweight division.