Joshua Van isn't just defending his flyweight title—he's defending his reputation. After a dominant fifth-round stoppage of Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 in Newark, the Burmese champion extended his winning streak to seven fights and solidified his grip on the 125-pound belt. But it's what happened after the fight that has fans talking.

Van publicly called out former champion Alexandre Pantoja, and the tension between them is heating up fast. The two are expected to clash in a rematch later this year, but Van is frustrated with how their first meeting has been framed. Back in December at UFC 323, Pantoja dislocated his elbow just 26 seconds into the fight after a push from Van, ending his title reign abruptly. Some dismissed Van's win as luck, and he's not letting that slide.

"I saw him and shook his hand, I don't have a problem," Van told Full Send MMA backstage at UFC 328, where Pantoja was also present. "But I don't like him making it seem like I'm the bad guy. We fought and you fell and broke your arm." Van believes Pantoja is feeding into a narrative that paints him as undeserving, and he's ready to prove otherwise.

For Pantoja, this rematch is a chance to reclaim his throne. Before the injury, he was on a tear—his fourth title defense came via submission of Kai Kara-France in June 2025, earning comparisons to flyweight great Demetrious Johnson. Now, he'll look to even the score and silence the doubters. With raw emotions running high and both fighters eager to settle the score, this rematch promises to be a must-watch for MMA fans.