Joshua Van defends UFC flyweight title despite shoulder injury

Joshua Van secured a second successful defense of his UFC flyweight belt on Saturday night, winning a unanimous decision against Alexandre Pantoja in the main event at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. The bout, held at Crypto.com Arena, featured Van showcasing his boxing skills to earn the victory.

Van disclosed that he entered the fight with a torn AC joint in his right shoulder, an injury sustained after a press conference in Philadelphia on Aug. 14. He said the injury limited his sparring during the final two weeks of camp, and the training focused mainly on cardio work. "I’ve got to go back there and get MRIs and get checked up, so hopefully nothing major," he told reporters after the fight.

Pantoja started the contest aggressively, gaining the early advantage in striking exchanges. Van’s performance improved in the second and third rounds, leading to the judges’ unanimous decision.

"I knew I hurt him, but he's a mental giant. He just don’t want to fall, and he don’t want to show that he's hurt. But I know deep down that he was hurt. Like I said, that's why I respect him so much," Van said.

"There was nothing to prove, man. The first fight I knew I was gonna win, too. So it's just like, OK, you guys want to see me win again? It's just that," he added.

Looking ahead, Van indicated that a matchup with top contender Manel Kape would be logical, but he emphasized his willingness to face any opponent. "Whoever can get it. I’m ‘The Fearless,’ and I never pick and choose who I fight. So, Dana, Hunter, whoever y’all want in front of me, call me," he said.