Former UFC star Jorge Masvidal believes a rematch between flyweight champion Joshua Van and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja could become the biggest fight in UFC flyweight history.
The rivalry between Van (17-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and Pantoja (30-6 MMA, 14-4 UFC) began at UFC 323 in December, when their first meeting ended in controversial fashion just 26 seconds into the bout. Pantoja suffered a dislocated elbow after landing awkwardly during an exchange, forcing the fight to be stopped and crowning Van the new UFC flyweight champion.
Van has since solidified his status atop the division with a successful title defense against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 earlier this month. With Pantoja nearing a return to action, speculation has continued to grow around a potential rematch between the two.
Speaking on Death Row MMA with Jorge Masvidal this week, Pantoja suggested the rematch could surpass some of the most iconic fights in flyweight history, including Henry Cejudo defeating Demetrious Johnson for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 227 in 2018.
“Cejudo is a great guy…two-time Olympic champion, UFC two-time champion,” Pantoja said. “And Demetrious Johnson is the GOAT. But maybe the second fight will be the big one fight in the UFC.”
Masvidal agreed with the former champion’s assessment, pointing to the growing interest surrounding the matchup online.
“I think, numbers-wise, you guys are going to do bigger than Henry and Mighty Mouse did,” Masvidal said. “From what I've seen already online, from what the metrics read, you and Van are going to be like the biggest fight at 125 pounds, I believe. And very, very, very deserved.”
Masvidal also praised both fighters for their aggressive styles and willingness to pursue finishes inside the cage.
“Both of you have done your job, both of you get in there and provide entertainment,” Masvidal said. “You take a guy down, it's not like you're holding him…you're punching the guy, you're trying to put a rear naked and you're trying to end the fight. And Van’s the same, where he’s trying to finish the fight.”
