MMA legend Alexandre Pantoja suffered another tough defeat to Joshua Van , this time in a real fight. In the main event of UFC 331 , held this Saturday (19), in California (USA), the Brazilian struggled with the speed and volume of strikes from the flyweight champion and was unable to impose his game. Thus, after 25 minutes of action, the veteran lost the rematch to the Burmese by unanimous decision.
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In December, Pantoja suffered an arm injury just 26 seconds into the fight, losing both the bout and the title. Since there was no rematch, the Brazilian was confident he would get revenge on Van in the rematch, but that didn't happen. Increasingly comfortable as flyweight champion, the Burmese proved his worth and defended his title for the second time.
Alexandre Pantoja lost to Joshua Van in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Pantoja was punished while standing.
The fight began with Pantoja actively attacking Van with punches and quickly taking him down. On top, Pantoja controlled Van, who didn't panic on the bottom. Quickly, Pantoja took Van's back, but, while attempting a submission, lost the position. Alert in his defense, Van defended and ended up on top of Pantoja. In the striking exchanges, the fighters went on the offensive and landed good jabs and straight punches. Sharp, Van landed straight punches and a powerful elbow on Pantoja. Intelligently, Pantoja took Van down, but couldn't control him.
In the second round, Pantoja came back more aggressively, pressured Van, and complained about a headbutt. Irritated, Pantoja demanded that referee Herb Dean deduct a point from Van, but was unsuccessful. Back in the fight, Pantoja attempted a takedown but failed to take Van down. In the striking exchanges, Van relied on volume of punches and landed jabs and straight punches on Pantoja. In turn, Pantoja landed a powerful low kick on Van, who continued throwing jabs and kicks. Tenacious, Pantoja continued moving forward and tried to take Van down, but couldn't. In the striking exchanges, Van, more technical, continued to land clean punches on Pantoja. At the end of the round, Pantoja managed a well-timed takedown, but failed to submit Van.
In the third round, Pantoja landed knee strikes on Van, while Van threw straight punches at Pantoja. On his feet, Van posed a threat to Pantoja with a cross. Outmatched on the feet, Pantoja repeatedly attempted takedowns but was unsuccessful. In the striking exchanges, Pantoja was hit more by Van than he landed on Van. Van's volume of strikes was so high that it stunned Pantoja, but Pantoja continued to advance. Undeterred, Pantoja pressured Van and surprised him with a takedown, but couldn't control him on the ground. On his feet, Van stunned Pantoja with his straight punches.
In the fourth round, Van remained more effective on his feet and again denied Pantoja's takedown attempt. Despite being hit frequently, Pantoja took Van down and controlled him on the ground for a good amount of time. In the fifth round, Pantoja resorted to kicks against Van, who responded with straight punches. Again, Van landed two powerful straight punches that bothered Pantoja. In turn, Pantoja continued to deliver kicks to Van. Superior in the striking exchanges, Van punished Pantoja with his punching combinations and scored a knockdown. Unwavering, Van defended two more takedown attempts from Pantoja and even got on top of him on the ground. On his feet, Van continued to punish Pantoja with his straight punches and crosses.
UFC 331 results
MAIN CARD
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-47, 50-45) and defended his title.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Arman Tsarukyan defeated Mauricio Ruffy by knockout (elbow strike) at 4:56 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Patricio Pitbull defeated Dooho Choi by knockout (punches) at 3:28 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Sean Sharaf defeated Gable Stevenson by knockout (punch) at 12 seconds of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Alonzo Menifield defeated Iwo Baraniewski by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Marlon Vera defeated Charles Jourdain by technical knockout (punches) at 2:02 of round 3.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Robelis Despaigne defeated Tai Tuivasa by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Michael Aswell Jr. defeated Joo Sang Yoo by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ryan Gandra defeated Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punches) at 2:04 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Edmen Shahbazyan defeated Brunno Hulk by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Casey O'Neill defeated Eduarda Ronda by submission (armbar) at 3:22 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joanderson Tubarão defeated Giga Chikadze by knockout (punches) at 1:57 of round 1.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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