Alexandre Pantoja’s flyweight title reign ended in the most devastating and unfortunate way possible at UFC 323 in December. Seconds into his title defense against Joshua Van, Pantoja injured his arm trying to roll away after Van caught a kick, and just like that, one of the most dominant flyweight champions in recent memory was on the sideline watching someone else wear his belt.
Alexandre Pantoja Is Ready and Hungry
Alexandre Pantoja told MMA Fighting:
“I’m ready. After December, what happened to my arm, two days after that, I went to the gym, started training with just one arm. That’s who I am. I’m not done. I’m not done. I have so much to conquer. I have so much to prove. And when you have the belt, your words [mean more]. I want to take the belt again. I want to be UFC champion one more time and keep talking about good things, about the world and things I saw in my life, and make people happy. That’s what I want.”
While Pantoja recovered, Van successfully defended the flyweight title in May with a fifth-round stoppage over Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328. Manel Kape knocked out Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119.
Brandon Royval upset Lone’er Kavanagh at UFC 329. Pantoja is walking back into a division firing on all cylinders, and he could not be more energised by it. He acknowledged Kape as the next contender after his title shot, calling him one of the most dangerous fighters in the world at flyweight. Alexandre Pantoja added:
“I think what happened with me last year made the division more fire. Now I have the opportunity to take over and [beat] everybody again.”
Alexandre Pantoja on the Joshua Van Rematch
“Of course, I have unfinished business with Joshua Van. Like, as an athlete, I know I lost the fight. That happened. But like a man, I don’t think he beat me. I’m still here. I’m ready to fight. I’m in amazing shape. Let’s see what happens next,” he continued.
Joshua Van Wants to Submit “The Cannibal”
Joshua Van is not interested in leaving any room for debate in a rematch either. The champion has stated he wants to leave no doubt this time and has been direct about how he sees it ending.
“People haven’t seen my jiu-jitsu yet, my next fight against Pantoja I’ll probably submit his b*tch ass. As soon as we figure Pantoja out, we’ll probably submit his ass.” Van said to The Schmo.
Pantoja built his legacy as one of the division’s most complete fighters. Van is promising to end the rematch on the ground. That is a fight the flyweight division absolutely needs.
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