Outside Source
Pantoja (30-6) put his flyweight title on the line for the fifth time against Van (16-2) at UFC 323 on Saturday in Las Vegas. Both fighters came out all guns blazing, engaging in frantic exchanges from the opening bell. However, disaster struck less than half a minute into the fight, as Pantoja injured his arm while trying to balance himself during a fall. Van won the title by technical knockout, becoming the second-youngest UFC champion in history.
Pantoja subsequently revealed that he was feeling extremely confident heading into his fight against Van. “The Cannibal” threw the kitchen sink at Van from the opening bell because he believed he could finish the 24-year-old in the first round. Pantoja believes Myanmar’s Van was destined to win the belt at UFC 323. The Brazilian promises to get back on the grind and reclaim his belt soon.
Accidents Happen
“That happens, accidents,” Pantoja said on social media. “When I go to the UFC today, I think I was on the best shape of my life. When I see Joshua Van on the other side of the Octagon, I believe I can finish him in the first round, that’s what I tried to do. Best camp of my life, best weight cut, best everything. I feel so comfortable in the Octagon. That’s my Octagon, that’s my belt, that’s everything I did in my whole life up to that moment… Joshua Van, that’s his destiny to win this belt tonight. He just could win this belt with my injury today… I work very hard all my life and I’m gonna work again and I’m gonna take my belt again.”
Alexandre Pantoja talks about his injury and is confident of a first round finish #UFC323 pic.twitter.com/ABdsEoOq0P
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 7, 2025
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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