Updated
Updated · MMA Junkie · Sep 20
Joshua Van Reveals Torn AC Joint After 2nd UFC Flyweight Title Defense
Updated
Updated · MMA Junkie · Sep 20

Joshua Van Reveals Torn AC Joint After 2nd UFC Flyweight Title Defense

3 articles · Updated · MMA Junkie · Sep 20

Summary

  • Joshua Van said he fought through a torn AC joint in his right shoulder to beat Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision in Saturday’s UFC 331 main event in Los Angeles.
  • The 24-year-old champion said the injury happened after an Aug. 14 press conference in Philadelphia, leaving him unable to spar until the final two weeks of camp and limiting preparation mostly to cardio.
  • Pantoja started fast in Round 1, but Van said his boxing took over from Round 2 and that he knew he had hurt the former champion even though Pantoja never showed it.
  • Van said he will get MRIs to assess the shoulder, while a title defense against top contender Manel Kape appears the most logical next step.

Insights

Will Alexandre Pantoja avenge his freak 26-second injury, or is Joshua Van truly the new king of the flyweights?
Can Mauricio Ruffy’s devastating knockout power shock the MMA world and derail Arman Tsarukyan’s undeniable championship momentum?
How will the intense personal animosity and controversial accusations impact the highly anticipated clash between Steveson and Sharaf?