UFC 323 brings one of the most exciting flyweight matchups in recent history as the dominant champion Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van is the co main event for UFC 323.
This fight not only represents a clash of skills but also showcases two fighters at very different stages of their careers.
Pantoja enters the octagon as a champion who has looked nearly impossible to beat.
With an elite finishing rate, exceptional grappling, and world-class experience, he continues to build a resume that many fans believe places him among the greatest flyweights of all time.
His recent winning streak shows how complete and dangerous he truly is.
On the opposite side stands Joshua Van a young, hungry striker who has risen faster than almost anyone expected.
Despite being early in his UFC career, he has already captured the attention of matchmakers by defeating high-level opponents, including a standout win over Brandon Royval.
His speed, striking combinations, and undefeated UFC record make him one of the most intriguing challengers the flyweight division has seen in years.
Joshua Van is riding a six-fight win streak, and he has never tasted defeat in the UFC.
Meanwhile, the champion Pantoja holds an eight-fight win streak and has been finishing opponents with pure dominance. With two unstoppable forces meeting in the cage, fans are expecting fireworks at UFC 323.
This bout is a classic example of raw striking talent versus complete MMA mastery, making it one of the most anticipated fights on the card.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van: Fighter Stats Table
| Category | Alexandre Pantoja (Champion) | Joshua Van (Contender) |
|---|---|---|
| Record | Champion with long win streak | Undefeated in UFC |
| Win Streak | 8 fights | 6 fights |
| Style | Complete MMA – striking, wrestling, BJJ | Elite striking and speed |
| Strength | Well-rounded skillset | Lightning-fast combinations |
| Experience | Very high | Moderate |
| Finishing Ability | High on ground & submissions | High via striking |
Recent Performance
Alexandre Pantoja
Pantoja has been on one of the strongest runs any flyweight champion has ever had.
In his last eight fights, he has displayed not only skill but complete control over every opponent who has stepped in front of him.
His recent victories show a fighter who understands how to dominate, when to push, and when to finish.
Whether it’s through suffocating grappling pressure or sharp, powerful striking, Pantoja has proven again and again that he is on a different level.
Each win has strengthened his case as one of the greatest flyweights the sport has seen. His consistency, fight IQ, and aggression make him a dangerous matchup for any contender.
Joshua Van
Joshua Van’s climb through the division has been nothing short of impressive.
He burst into the UFC and quickly built a six-fight win streak, picking up victories over established names.
His win over Brandon Royval especially showcased his striking precision, speed, and ability to handle high-pressure fights.
The most impressive part Joshua Van has never lost a fight in the UFC. This undefeated streak has given him confidence and the reputation of being a potential future star.
UFC matchmakers noticed his talent early and rewarded him with a title shot earlier than usual, showing how much they believe in his ability to compete at the highest level.
Van enters UFC 323 as the biggest test of his career, but he has proven multiple times that he performs best under pressure.
Style Breakdown
Joshua Van – Striking, Speed, and Pressure
Joshua Van’s game revolves heavily around his striking. He is one of the fastest fighters in the flyweight division, using explosive movement and crisp combinations to overwhelm opponents.
His ability to mix punches, kicks, and angles makes him unpredictable and dangerous.
His speed stands out. Many fighters cannot keep up with his pace, and he uses that to land clean shots before opponents can react.
If he can keep the fight standing, his power and timing give him a real chance to hurt Pantoja.
Van’s defense is also solid, especially against strikes, and his footwork allows him to stay mobile and avoid getting trapped.
However, his ground game, while improving, has not yet been tested against someone with Pantoja’s grappling expertise.
Alexandre Pantoja – Complete MMA Weapon
Alexandre Pantoja is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC. His skill set covers all major areas — boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
His striking is clean and powerful, but what makes him elite is how seamlessly he mixes everything together. He can strike, clinch, wrestle, and transition into submissions without hesitation.
This complete arsenal gives him the ability to dictate where the fight goes.
On the ground, Pantoja is at a different level. His Jiu-Jitsu is elite, and he can finish fights quickly if he finds an opening.
Once he secures top control, opponents rarely escape. His grappling pressure breaks fighters mentally and physically.
In a matchup against a striker like Joshua Van, Pantoja’s ability to take the fight to the ground becomes one of the biggest factors.
Key Advantages
Joshua Van
1. Exceptional Speed
Van is arguably the fastest striker in the division. His rapid-fire punches and movement allow him to land first and often.
2. Sharp Striking Combinations
His ability to put together clean, accurate combinations gives him knockout potential against anyone, even a champion.
3. Confidence and Momentum
A six-fight UFC win streak and undefeated record give him strong mental momentum heading into the biggest fight of his career.
Alexandre Pantoja
1. Complete Skillset
Pantoja has the advantage of being dangerous everywhere — striking, wrestling, and submissions.
2. Experience Against Top-Level Fighters
Having fought and defeated some of the best in flyweight history, Pantoja holds a massive experience edge over Joshua Van.
3. Grappling Dominance
If the fight hits the ground, Pantoja is heavily favored to find a submission or at least control long stretches of the bout.
Weaknesses
Joshua Van
- Ground Defense: While improving, his grappling is not yet strong enough to confidently deal with a submission expert like Pantoja.
- Octagon Experience Gap: He has not faced someone with Pantoja’s level of championship experience.
- Risk of Overcommitting Strikes: His aggressive combinations could leave him open for takedowns.
Alexandre Pantoja
- Striking Defense Against Speed: Pantoja sometimes gets hit early in exchanges, and Van’s speed could catch him by surprise.
- Willingness to Brawl: Pantoja occasionally engages in risky striking battles even when he has the advantage on the ground.
- Age & Wear: Pantoja has been in many tough fights, which could slowly impact durability.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van: Who Wins? & Why
This fight comes down to a simple dynamic:
Can Joshua Van keep the fight standing long enough to land something big?
or
Will Alexandre Pantoja drag the fight to the ground and control it?
Joshua Van’s path to victory is clear. He must use his speed, movement, and sharp combinations to catch Pantoja clean in the early rounds.
If he lands a strong combination, he has enough power to stun or even finish the champion.
However, if the fight goes to the ground, the advantage shifts dramatically toward Pantoja. His submissions, control, and transitions make him extremely difficult to defend.
Joshua Van has not yet faced a grappler of this-caliber, and this lack of experience could be a deciding factor.
Pantoja’s ability to mix striking with takedown attempts makes him the safer and more reliable pick.
His championship experience, grappling dominance, and well-rounded game provide many more ways to win the fight compared to Joshua Van’s striking-heavy approach.
Prediction Summary
Based on skill, momentum, and fighting style:
- Alexandre Pantoja — 70% chance of winning
- Joshua Van — 30% chance of winning
How Joshua Van Wins
- By knockout or TKO
- By catching Pantoja with a clean combination early
- By maintaining distance and avoiding grappling exchanges
How Alexandre Pantoja Wins
- By submission if the fight goes to the ground
- By wearing Joshua down with grappling and pressure
- By mixing striking and takedowns to break Van’s rhythm
Final Verdict
Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van at UFC 323 is a spectacular matchup between a young, undefeated rising star and a proven champion with one of the best flyweight resumes in the sport.
Joshua Van has the speed, timing, and striking ability to make this fight competitive and dangerous for the champion. His six-fight win streak shows he belongs among the best.
However, Pantoja’s experience, grappling, and complete MMA skillset give him the ultimate edge.
Unless Joshua can land a perfect striking sequence, the champion is more likely to control the fight and find a submission.
Final Pick: Alexandre Pantoja wins likely by submission.
Joshua Van remains a future star, but UFC 323 may be the night Pantoja proves once again why he is considered the greatest flyweight of his era.