Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van - AI generated fight pick

Alexandre Pantoja holds significant advantages in experience, high-level competition, and finishing ability. He has a 30-5 record with 8 KOs and 12 submissions, and is a proven titleholder with a long UFC tenure. His finishing rate (20 of 30 wins by finish), solid takedown accuracy (48%), and submission threat are well above divisional averages. While Joshua Van is a promising prospect with strong striking accuracy (57%) and excellent takedown defense (81%), he is only 23 years old, has just 2 years UFC experience, and is coming off two losses in his last three. Historically, fighters with Pantoja's profile—older, longer reach, more first-round finishes, and championship experience—win the majority of title defenses against younger, less battle-tested challengers. Pantoja’s ability to threaten with both submissions and striking, plus his durability in 5-round fights, gives him the edge over Van, whose recent losses suggest he may not be ready for elite, multi-dimensional opposition at the championship level yet. The only caveat is Pantoja's age (35), but the data strongly favors proven champions in this scenario, especially those with a reach and submission edge in flyweight title bouts. Expect Pantoja to control the grappling and test Van's cardio and composure over five rounds or find a finish if Van overextends.