UFC flyweight rivals Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van had a war of words at the UFC 331 press conference this week.
In the main event of UFC 331, Alexandre Pantoja will attempt to reclaim the UFC flyweight championship when he goes head to head with Joshua Van. In their previous, highly-anticipated encounter, an early and unfortunate injury to Pantoja rendered him unable to continue in the fight.
RELATED: Alexandre Pantoja praises Joshua Van, but vows to settle ‘unfinished business’ in near future: “I don’t think he beat me”
Ever since then, fans and pundits alike have wondered what could have been. Thankfully, Pantoja’s recovery from injury seems to have gone well, and now that Van has managed to successfully defend the belt courtesy of his win over Tatsuro Taira, it seems like we will be getting the best version of both men in Los Angeles.
During their pre-fight press conference, though, it became evident pretty quickly that there is some bad blood lingering between Pantoja and Van.
Van and Pantoja trade words at press conference
“Had that not happened [Pantoja’s injury], I would have still whooped his ass that day,” Van said when asked about the injury that awarded him the title. “So September 19, it’s just another opportunity for me to whoop his ass again.”
“I think he needs to wash his mouth,” Pantoja replied. “I respect where I’m from. I’m from Brazil. In Brazil, you need to take care about what you talk. If not, maybe you lose your teeth.”
Van went on to interrupt a long answer from Pantoja, leading to another confrontation.
“Bro, talk about the fight on September 19,” Van said. “We’re not here for your story, bro. We’re here for the fight.
“Hey kid, when someone talks, you shut your f*cking mouth,” Pantoja responded. “You understand that?”
“Shut up. What you gonna do about it?”, said Van.
“You ain’t doing s*** Van said. “Sit your ass down. Sit your ass down; you ain’t doing s***. Somebody get him some milk.”
“Hey kid, September 19, you’re gonna be locked in the octagon with me,” Pantoja replied.
Quotes via MMA Fighting
Given the unfinished business between these two, it’s easy to see why there’s a lot of tension – and it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds at UFC 331.
Who do you believe is most likely to come away with the win from this rematch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
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