The flyweight division took center stage at UFC 317, delivering performances that reshaped the landscape and cemented legacies. champion Alexandre <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/29/ufc-317-livestream-how-to-watch-topuria-vs-oliveira-mma-fight-live-online/” title=”Ultimate Guide: Watch UFC 317 Topuria vs Oliveira Live”>pantoja successfully defended his title, while a thrilling battle on the undercard produced a clear next challenger. The night showcased the elite talent and explosive action defining the 125-pound weight class.
Fans inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas witnessed history unfold. Two pivotal flyweight contests captivated the audience. One saw the champion assert his dominance, adding significant achievements to his career. The other featured a rising contender facing a top-ranked veteran in a fight for positioning. Both bouts delivered on the promise of high-stakes competition.
Pantoja Solidifies Reign with Submission Victory
In the highly anticipated co-main event, flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja faced a familiar foe in Kai Kara-France. This marked Pantoja’s fourth title defense since capturing the belt in 2023. Their previous encounter was years ago on The Ultimate Fighter. Now, they met with the undisputed championship on the line.
Pantoja wasted no time imposing his will. He utilized relentless pressure and effective grappling from the outset. The champion controlled the pace and location of the fight. He consistently sought takedowns, neutralizing Kara-France’s renowned striking power. Pantoja’s ground control proved overwhelming as the fight progressed.
The finish came in the third round. Pantoja secured a rear-naked choke submission. This secured his victory and his continued reign atop the division. The performance underscored Pantoja’s comprehensive skillset. He demonstrated why he is considered one of the best flyweights in the world. His dominance felt absolute by the time of the tap.
Building an All-Time Flyweight Résumé
This win wasn’t just another title defense for Alexandre Pantoja. It was a performance that etched his name deeper into the UFC flyweight record books. Pantoja achieved significant milestones. He surpassed or tied the legendary Demetrious Johnson in key statistical categories. Johnson is widely regarded as the greatest flyweight champion ever.
Pantoja now holds the record for most wins in UFC flyweight history with 14. He also set new records for finishes (8) and submissions (6) in the division. These statistics highlight his consistent success and finishing ability against top competition. Pantoja’s résumé boasts impressive wins over fighters like Steve Erceg, Brandon Royval, and Brandon Moreno. His win over Kai Kara-France was his second over the challenger, including their TUF exhibition.
Following the fight, Pantoja made his intentions clear. He publicly called for a higher placement in the promotion’s pound-for-pound rankings. Given his recent record-breaking performance and consistent defenses, it’s a difficult request for the UFC to ignore. His case for being the second-greatest flyweight champion, behind only Johnson, grows stronger with each victory.
Van vs. Royval Delivers Record-Breaking Thriller
The fight immediately preceding the co-main event was equally significant for the flyweight division. Rising star Joshua Van stepped in on short notice to face top contender Brandon Royval. This bout was expected to have major title implications. It delivered far beyond expectations, earning “Fight of the Year” consideration.
The action was non-stop from bell to bell. Both fighters showcased incredible cardio and striking volume. Van and Royval traded blows relentlessly for three rounds. The fight was a true display of grit and skill. It pushed both athletes to their limits. The judges ultimately rendered a unanimous decision. Joshua Van was awarded the victory with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27.
The fight was notable for its incredible striking output. According to UFC statistics, Van and Royval combined for 419 strikes. This set a new UFC record for the most combined strikes in a three-round fight. It ranks as the third-most overall, including five-round bouts. Individually, Royval landed 215 significant strikes, the most in UFC flyweight history. Van was close behind with 204, the second-most ever landed in the division.
Joshua Van’s Meteoric Rise Continues
At just 23 years old, Joshua Van is quickly becoming a prominent figure in the flyweight division. His victory over the highly-ranked Brandon Royval marked his sixth consecutive win. Van’s performance against Royval was particularly impressive given the circumstances. He took the fight on short notice.
This win was Van’s second in June 2025 alone. He previously secured a TKO victory over Bruno Gustavo da Silva at UFC 316 just weeks prior. His rapid activity and consistent success highlight his potential as a future champion. Van’s skills continue to develop with each fight. He proved he belongs among the elite with his performance against Royval.
Following his decision victory, Van wasted no time calling out the champion. He publicly challenged Alexandre Pantoja for the title. The UFC seemed to endorse this potential matchup. They facilitated a faceoff between Van and Pantoja after the co-main event concluded. Van expressed confidence despite Pantoja’s dominance. He declared Pantoja had “never fought Joshua Van.” This sets the stage for a compelling future championship clash.
Looking Ahead for the Flyweight Elite
UFC 317 profoundly impacted the flyweight division. Alexandre Pantoja reinforced his status as champion. His record-breaking achievements solidify his place among the division’s all-time greats. The path forward seems clear for Pantoja.
Joshua Van emerged as the undeniable top contender. His thrilling victory over Brandon Royval and subsequent callout positioned him perfectly. The potential matchup between Pantoja and Van is highly anticipated. It pits an established, dominant champion against a young, rapidly improving contender. The division remains one of the most exciting and skilled in the UFC. The performances at UFC 317 ensured that the flyweight spotlight shines brightly. The championship picture is now sharper than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What UFC flyweight records did Alexandre Pantoja break at UFC 317?
At UFC 317, Alexandre Pantoja solidified his legacy by breaking multiple UFC flyweight records. With his submission win over Kai Kara-France, he achieved the most wins in division history (14). He also set new records for the most finishes (8) and the most submissions (6) in the UFC flyweight category. These accomplishments place him alongside legendary figures like Demetrious Johnson in the record books.
How did Joshua Van defeat Brandon Royval at UFC 317?
Joshua Van secured a victory over the top-ranked Brandon Royval at UFC 317 via unanimous decision. The fight was a back-and-forth, high-volume striking battle that earned “Fight of the Year” consideration. Van and Royval combined for a record-breaking 419 strikes in a three-round UFC fight. Van outpointed Royval over three rounds, earning scorecards of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 from the judges.
Who is likely next to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title?
Following his impressive decision win over Brandon Royval at UFC 317, Joshua Van appears to be the likely next challenger for flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. Van publicly called out Pantoja after his victory. The UFC then arranged a faceoff between the two fighters in the octagon, signaling their intention to book this championship bout next. Van is currently on a six-fight win streak.
