UFC flyweight world champion Joshua Van, who has recently defended his title, is likely to face former champion Brazilian Al­exandre Pantoja Passidomo as his next priority opponent in a potential title defence bout.

According to comments from the UFC CEO, it was hint­ed that former champion Pantoja may be allowed to challenge for the title again. Joshua Van also issued a challenge to Pantoja af­ter the recent title defence bout. In the title challenge bout held on 6 December last year, Pan­toja suffered a hand injury early in the match and was forced to concede defeat, losing his cham­pionship belt. As a result, he is reportedly eager to regain the title.

Joshua Van secured a vic­tory in his first-ever world title defence bout, which took place on 10 May Myanmar Standard Time, by defeating Japanese fighter Tatsuro Taira via refer­ee stoppage in the fifth round at one minute and 32 seconds. As a result, Joshua Van successfully defended his championship belt with a seven-fight winning streak and also earned a substantial cash reward. At only 24 years old, if he can maintain his current performance level, he is expect­ed to hold the world champion­ship title for a prolonged period. — Shine Htet Zaw/TTA