Joshua Van Reveals Title Defense Was Nearly Derailed

UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van (18-2) said a torn AC joint in his right shoulder almost derailed his title defense against Alexandre Pantoja (30-7) at UFC 331 on September 19.

Van, 24, suffered the injury during training camp following a promotional press conference in Philadelphia in August. The injury prevented him from sparring for much of his preparation for the fight, as he stated all he did was run.

“I landed on my shoulder, and we just thought it was just like a little pain, and then the next day out of nowhere I can’t move my shoulder no more,” Van said.

Van received a stem cell injection, but said the recommended two-week recovery period was difficult to accommodate with the fight only five weeks away. He focused on cardio work instead, and returned to sparring two weeks before the event, still experiencing pain when throwing his right hand.

Despite the disrupted camp, Van retained his 125-pound title in his second defense, beating former champion Pantoja by unanimous decision in a grueling 5-round back and forth rematch, which earned Fight of the Night honors. Their first meeting in December 2025 ended after just 26 seconds when Pantoja suffered an elbow injury.

Van said he would undergo further medical examinations following the fight. He did not call out a specific opponent, saying he would accept whoever the UFC offers him next. Number 1-ranked flyweight Manel Kape is among his potential challengers.