Alexandre Pantoja is absolutely buzzing, fully healed from that nasty arm injury, and he is ready to get back in the Octagon for a rematch with Joshua Van for the Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight title. “The Cannibal” has been sidelined since his title defense at UFC 323 last year, but he’s making it crystal clear: he wants that belt back, and he is coming for it.
The Cannibal is Back, Baby!
Remember that wild finish at UFC 323? Pantoja’s title defense against Van ended after just 26 seconds when Van caught his kick, forcing him to awkwardly post on his hand. The referee stopped the fight, with Pantoja clutching his arm in clear pain. But forget that, because Pantoja is now fully recovered. He 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. I want to take the belt again. I want to be UFC champion one more time.” Talk about a statement! This dude’s got fire in his belly, and it sounds like he’s been chomping at the bit for this moment.
“Unfinished Business” and a Division on Fire
Since that anticlimactic win, Joshua Van successfully defended his flyweight crown at UFC 328, stopping Tatsuro Taira in the fifth round. Pantoja, ever the competitor, even gave props to Van’s performance, acknowledging that the division has gotten “more fire” during his absence. But don’t get it twisted, he’s still got that champion’s mindset. While he accepts the official result of the loss, Pantoja doesn’t believe Van truly beat him. “Of course, I have unfinished business with Joshua Van. As an athlete, I know I lost the fight,” he added. “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.” You gotta love that confidence! Pantoja believes he’s the better fighter, and he’s ready to prove it. The division is heating up, and it looks like a major showdown is exactly what’s next. We’re all waiting to see him reclaim that title.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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