Joshua Van reveals torn AC joint ahead of UFC 331 title defense

Joshua Van successfully defended his UFC flyweight title at UFC 331 on September 19, defeating former champion Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision in the main event at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. However, the victor fought through significant adversity, having suffered a torn AC joint in his right shoulder that severely hampered his training camp.

Van revealed at the post-fight press conference that he injured his shoulder immediately following a press conference in Philadelphia in August, forcing him to abandon normal sparring for most of his preparation. "Coming into this fight after the press conference in Philly, I tore my AC joint in my right shoulder and I couldn't even spar," Van explained. "So, the last two weeks was my first time sparring, and this camp we did nothing but cardio. Just running and stuff like that."

Despite the injury constraints, Van managed to earn a dominant decision against a former champion, underscoring his technical superiority at 125 pounds. The champion indicated he will require medical evaluation, including MRIs, to assess the full extent of the damage. Given the injury, a third title defense this year appears unlikely. Van declined to call out specific contenders, stating he would accept whomever the UFC offers next. Top-ranked Manel Kape, who has finished his last four opponents, is positioned as the leading challenger.