Joshua Van has a clear path forward after defending his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 in Los Angeles last weekend.
Van took a unanimous decision over Pantoja in a competitive back-and-forth bout at Crypto.com Arena on September 19. With the Brazilian now in his rearview mirror, the champion's next challenge should come from Manel Kape, according to MMA Mania's breakdown of the card. Kape sits at No. 2 in the division and brings a four-fight win streak that includes a knockout of Kyoji Horiguchi.
Arman Tsarukyan strengthened his case for a lightweight title fight by stopping Mauricio Ruffy with a first-round knockout in the co-main event. The Georgian has now won six consecutive bouts and could leapfrog into the No. 1 contender spot. A matchup with champion Justin Gaethje appears to be the logical next step, though Ilia Topuria has reportedly begun campaigning for a rematch with Gaethje.
Elsewhere on the main card, Patricio Pitbull knocked out Doo Ho Choi in the first round to even his UFC record at 2-2. MMA Mania suggested Arnold Allen as a potential next opponent once the Brit returns from an undisclosed injury that forced him out of a scheduled bout with Aa...