UFC flyweight contender Joshua Van said he is prepared to counter champion Alexandre Pantoja’s grappling as he positions himself for a title bout later this year. Van, 22, has compiled a five-fight winning streak that includes a knockout of Bruno Silva at UFC 316 and a short-notice decision over former title challenger Brandon Royval three weeks later at UFC 317. Van dismissed suggestions that the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Pantoja would expose weaknesses on the ground, noting his own 81% takedown-defense rate and just one career submission loss. “I just don’t like hugging another man in a fight,” he said, adding that his wrestling is “in the back pocket” for when it is needed. Pantoja, 35, has defended the flyweight championship four times, most recently submitting Kai Kara-France. While the UFC has yet to announce a date or venue for the match-up, Van said his camp is already tailoring preparations for the champion. “Styles make fights,” he said. “Everybody that Royval fought, he beat—except the champion—and I beat Royval.”