The UFC flyweight champion from Myanmar, Joshua Van, addressed fan criticism regarding his celebration after defeating Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323.
Joshua Van for ESPN
At first I was just celebrating the win of me getting the belt. When I looked back at Pantoja, I walked up to him and I said, ‘Hey man, I’m sorry the fight went this way.’ But at the same time, I was happy with me fulfilling my dream. It was mixed feelings, but I do want to run it back with him.
The bout between Pantoja and Van was the co-main event of UFC 323 in Las Vegas, USA, on December 7th. Joshua won the fight by technical knockout in the first round after the Brazilian could not continue due to an injury. This victory earned the fighter from Myanmar the UFC flyweight championship belt.
Pantoja's mixed martial arts record is 30 wins and six losses. Van's record stands at 16 wins and two losses.
