\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Fearless\u201d is not holding back this time.<\/p>\n
And the buildup has been nothing like their first encounter.<\/p>\n
Van captured the Flyweight championship from Pantoja in December 2025, but the fight lasted only 26 seconds after the Brazilian dislocated his elbow while attempting to brace himself against the canvas. Van has since legitimized his reign by successfully defending the title against Tatsuro Taira<\/strong> (watch highlights), but questions surrounding that unusual first meeting have continued to fuel the rematch.<\/p>\n What began as a respectful rivalry has now become much more personal.<\/p>\n During the UFC 331 kickoff press conference last month in Philadelphia, Pantoja left his seat and attempted to confront Van before Dana White<\/strong> intervened (watch it). According to the former champion, Van successfully pushed the right buttons.<\/p>\n \u201cHe did a good job [making me mad],\u201d Pantoja said during UFC 331 media day. \u201cI\u2019m from the \u201990s. Back then, if you didn\u2019t respect your mother and father, they were going to slap you. I thought about that, but Dana White stopped me.\u201d<\/p>\n Van responded shortly afterward and did not hold back.<\/p>\n \u201cAs far as I checked, I\u2019m his dad,\u201d Van said. \u201cI don\u2019t know what he was talking about. You know the sh\u2014t he\u2019s been saying? He should get smacked for that. He was respectful after the fight, but then he started doing interviews and making me the bad guy. I told him we were going to fight again.\u201d<\/p>\n Van believes Pantoja has attempted to position himself as the respectful \u201cgood guy\u201d while portraying the champion as the villain throughout the buildup.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what his deal was, but I was just annoyed,\u201d Van added. \u201cHe\u2019s trying to be this guy where he\u2019s the good guy, right? Trying to make me the bad guy. I don\u2019t mind it, but it\u2019s the way he\u2019s saying things, like in the Countdown<\/em> video\u2026It\u2019s funny to me. We\u2019re going to fight Saturday and find out who\u2019s the better man.\u201d<\/p>\n Their first fight was built around mutual respect between a dominant longtime champion and a fearless young up-and-comer. Less than one year later, the rematch is fueled by disrespect, unfinished business and a championship both men believe belongs around their waist.<\/p>\n Pantoja insists he is finished trying to sell the matchup and is now solely focused on reclaiming his title. However, the rivals will have one final opportunity to trade words during Thursday evening\u2019s UFC 331 press conference.<\/p>\n Based on how their last press conference unfolded, White may want to keep his hands ready.<\/p>\n