Joshua Van defends UFC flyweight title against Pantoja despite torn AC joint in camp

Joshua Van successfully defended the UFC flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on September 19, winning by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 331 — all while carrying a torn AC joint in his right shoulder that had severely disrupted his preparation.

Van disclosed the injury at the post-fight press conference, explaining that he sustained the damage to his right shoulder shortly after the pre-fight press conference in Philadelphia in August. The injury left him unable to spar normally for the bulk of his training camp, forcing him to lean almost entirely on cardio work.

“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 did 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 revelation adds considerable weight to what was already a significant result. Van, known as “The Fearless,” was facing a former champion in Pantoja in a rematch, and did so without the ability to prepare fully for the physical demands of a title fight.

With the injury still requiring medical assessment, Van is unlikely to make a third title defense before the end of the year. He declined to call out any specific contender after the victory, stating he would take on whoever the UFC puts in front of him. Top-ranked flyweight Manel Kape, who has finished each of his last four opponents, appears to be the leading candidate for the next title shot.