Joshua Van defended his flyweight title against Pantoja with a torn AC joint

Joshua Van successfully defended the UFC flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 in Los Angeles on Saturday — but only after completing almost his entire training camp unable to spar due to a torn AC joint in his right shoulder.

Van disclosed the injury at the post-fight press conference, explaining that the damage occurred shortly after the pre-fight press conference in Philadelphia. “Coming into this fight, after the press conference in Philly, I tore my AC joint in my right shoulder and I couldn’t even spar,” Van said. “So the last two weeks was my first time sparring and this camp we do nothing but cardio, just running and stuff like that. I’ve got to go back there and get MRIs and get checked up, so hopefully nothing major.”

The 24-year-old champion won the flyweight belt when the pair’s first fight ended with Pantoja suffering a freak injury in the opening moments. Saturday’s five-round decision victory marks Van’s second successful title defence, following an earlier win over Tatsuro Taira.

Van was not alone in battling through injury during the camp. Training partner Michael Aswell, who defeated Joo Sang Yoo by decision earlier on the same card, sustained a rib injury during their shared preparation. Van cited Aswell’s resilience as a source of motivation. “Man, Aswell being in the same camp is a motivation for me,” Van said. “He hurt his fcking rib and we’re like, fck that, we ain’t pulling out. So both of us are injured coming into this fight and you know, g*ddammit, we push through it.”

Despite the physical toll of five hard rounds, Van was generous in his assessment of his opponent. “Pantoja is a great fighter. He’s one of the greatest of all-time in my eyes. Fighting him five rounds like that, I’m grateful for that.”

The timetable for Van’s next title defence remains uncertain. Top contender Manel Kape is considered the leading candidate for the next shot, though Van indicated he is open to whoever the matchmakers select.