A new UFC champ may face a first-time adversary in 2026 with an obvious defense.
At UFC 323, the final event in this calendar year’s numbering, two titles were handed out. New kings were crowned at both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions.
Joshua Van was the second-youngest UFC champ in history before Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili during their rematch. This is because Alexandre Pantoja suffered a severe elbow injury.
Pantoja’s recovery is uncertain at this time. Fortunately for the promotion, Saturday’s pay-per-view produced a new title contender who could challenge Van in the meantime.
Latest News: Joanna Jedrzejczyk releases statement after Jamahal hill threatened to knock out her in UFC 323 altercation
What do you think Joshua Van should fight next?
Comment and let us know who you would like to see him defend his flyweight title against.
Options for Joshua Van after UFC 323:
Tatsuro Taira
Brandon Royval defeated Manel Kape
Wait for Alexandre Pantoja’s return
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
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Daniel Cormier announces Joshua Van and Tatsuro Takarai for UFC 325
Brandon Moreno, along with Jan Blachowicz & Henry Cejudo, was one of the three former champions who were on the UFC 323 undercard.
Tatsuro Taira stopped Moreno by TKO in the UFC 323 main event.
2025-12-09 13:00:00
