Van silences doubters in Pantoja rematch as Tsarukyan, Pitbull score dramatic UFC 331 finishes

LOS ANGELES — Flyweight Champion Joshua Van erased the controversy surrounding his first victory over Alexandre Pantoja by defeating the former champion over five rounds Saturday, then declaring that his UFC flyweight title could no longer be dismissed as the product of an accidental injury. “A lot of people said that was an accidental win the first time,” said Van (18-2). “Now doubt me now.” Van said critics had questioned his legitimacy after Pantoja (30-7) suffered an injury early in their first meeting. The rematch gave the champion the opportunity to prove himself in a complete fight against the division’s former standard-bearer. Van, who had his boxing skills and takedown defense on full display, finished with 140 significant head strikes, to Pantoja’s 99. The champion praised Pantoja’s durability and championship-level skill, particularly after the Brazilian escaped a submission attempt Van believed would finish the fight. “Shoutout to Pantoja,” Van said. “Nothing but respect from me." Van’s decisive victory strengthened the legitimacy of his championship reign, while Pantoja’s toughness added significance to the performance. In the co-main event, No. 2-ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan (24-3) strengthened his claim to the next title shot with a dramatic first-round knockout of No. 7 Mauricio Ruffy (14-3), who was coming off a...