Alexandre Pantoja Eyes UFC Flyweight Title in September 2026 Rematch

Alexandre Pantoja will fight Joshua Van again on **September 2026** in a UFC flyweight title rematch, aiming to reclaim the belt he lost in December 2025. The bout, hinted at by Eric Nicksick during an Ariel Helwani interview, places the Brazilian veteran back in the championship spotlight.

The rivalry began at UFC 323 in Las Vegas on **12 Dec 2025**, where Van stopped Pantoja with a first‑round technical knockout after the Brazilian suffered a leg injury. Van walked away with the flyweight crown, leaving Pantoja with a 30‑6 record and a burning desire for redemption. Nicksick, coaching Manel Kape, confirmed that the promotion is lining up the two fighters for September, noting that the winner could face another top contender later in the year.

At 33, Pantoja sits just one win away from a second flyweight title reign. A victory would not only erase the sting of the 2025 loss but also boost his marketability ahead of a potential December bout against a new challenger. The Brazilian’s aggressive striking and grappling versatility have kept him in the UFC’s elite, and a win would push his record to 31‑6, reinforcing his status as a perennial contender.

Van entered the September fight as the reigning champion with a 16‑2 record. Defending the belt against a seasoned former champion like Pantoja tests his durability and validates his 2025 victory. A successful defense would cement his place among the division’s modern greats and set up a lucrative December matchup, as Nicksick hinted the winner would face another top‑ranked opponent.

The UFC has not released an exact date or venue, but the September window suggests a major pay‑per‑view event, likely in Las Vegas again given the city’s history with flyweight title fights. Fans can expect the usual eight‑round, five‑minute format, with both athletes expected to cut weight to the 125‑pound limit.

A Pantoja‑Van rematch reshapes the division’s hierarchy. If Pantoja wins, the title picture reverts to a familiar face, forcing contenders like Kai Kara-France and Brandon Moreno to recalibrate their paths. Should Van retain, his dominance could usher in a new era of younger challengers. Either outcome adds intrigue to the upcoming December bout, which Nicksick described as “the next big fight for the winner.”

The September clash promises high‑octane action, with both fighters eager to prove they belong at the top. As the UFC finalizes details, the MMA world watches closely, aware that a single round could rewrite the flyweight narrative.