UFC returns to the Fight Capital of the World on Saturday night for the final numbered event of the year — and the last card of the ESPN era. Looking at the co-main event, the promotion is going out with a bang.
Before Petr Yan attempts to reverse his fortune in a rematch with bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, surging fan-favorite Joshua Van will challenge dominant beltholder Alexandre Pantoja in a flyweight title bout for the ages.
Pantoja (30–5) has steamrolled challenger after challenger during the most dominant 125-pound title run since Demetrious Johnson. Van (15–2) now stands as the next formidable threat to the throne — but is the young phenom prepared for the defining test of his career against arguably the division’s all-time king?
The defending champ enters as a -238 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Van sits as a +195 underdog. The total is set at 2.5 rounds.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van Preview
Pantoja, 35, seized the flyweight belt in an all-time slugfest against Brandon Moreno during International Fight Week in July 2023 — and he hasn’t let go since. “The Cannibal” has tightened his chokehold on the 125-pound division over four dominant defenses, punctuating his reign with back-to-back submission victories against Kai Asakura last December and Kai Kara-France in June.
The Brazilian champion blends surgical striking with unyielding grappling pressure and championship cardio, all driven by an appetite for chaos. Pantoja thrives in ugly brawls — yet rarely advances with reckless abandon, choosing instead to lean on his concrete chin while waiting to land meticulously placed, devastating shots. Eight of his 14 wins inside the Octagon have come by finish, including two knockouts and six submissions, and he’s never been on the other side of a stoppage.
Van, 24, strapped himself to a rocket after his UFC debut in 2023, launching straight to the top of the flyweight rankings. Arguably the most exciting prospect on the active roster, “The Fearless” is 8–1 inside the Octagon and riding a five-fight winning streak into the first title shot of his career.
The Burmese-American contender’s meteoric rise hasn’t come from hollow victories — it’s been fueled by pure striking masterclasses. Ranked outside the top ten heading into his last fight in June, Van took on No. 1 contender Brandon Royval on just three weeks’ notice and delivered an instant classic, catapulting himself into the title picture.
Van is a tornado personified, swarming opponents with nearly nine significant strikes per minute — the fastest rate in the UFC. A boxing master with ironclad durability, he drags opponents into explosive battles behind a bottomless gas tank and rock-solid takedown defense (81%). Nine of Van’s 15 career wins have come inside the distance, including seven knockouts and two submissions.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van Pick, Best Bet
Pantoja is among the most formidable champions of his time, a fighter who has chewed up far more experienced opponents than Van and spit them right back out. But while his championship composure should serve him well in the seemingly inevitable car crash on Saturday night, it feels likely that his battle-tested reign will end against the surging up-and-comer who won’t back down from a brawl.
Van’s takedown defense and improved scrambling should keep the fight standing, where he can gradually erode the champion, who’s been known to fade in the later rounds. Not only does Van refuse to slow down, he crescendoes, powered by late-round surges that could become a nightmare for the veteran champ.
“The Fearless” shocked the world a few months ago — don’t be surprised if he does it again on Saturday night.
