Alexandre Pantoja had big plans for a long vacation after grinding out four title defenses over two years as champion, but a freak dislocated elbow just 26 seconds into his last fight against Joshua Van changed everything. Now, the 36-year-old Brazilian legend is back to headline UFC 331 this Saturday, ready to recapture the title and remind everyone what he’s about.
The Shocking Loss and the Swift Turn
Last December at UFC 323, Pantoja’s fifth defense of his 125-pound title went sideways fast. Van caught Pantoja’s high kick attempt, pushed him to the ground, and that was it: a dislocated elbow, a TKO loss for Pantoja, and a new champion. Just like that, the “changing of the guard” was complete. Pantoja, who had reached No. 4 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings thanks to an 8-fight win streak, found himself quickly dropped from those rankings, despite not losing his title in what the source described as a traditional way. He felt many people overlooked his hard-earned recognition during his first run as champion, and the quickness with which everyone seemed to move on from his accomplishments clearly struck a nerve.
One Arm in a Sling, All Eyes on the Rematch
Instead of hitting the beach, Pantoja was back in the gym two days later, one arm in a sling, driven by a new mindset. He told CBS Sports during an August sitdown, “I [went back] to the gym because I knew if I take too much time off, it’s going to be very tough to get back to my shape and this level. Since my injury, I haven’t stopped. I was back to training with one arm in the gym and doing physical therapy. I think my right hand is very powerful now.” This isn’t just a fighter returning from injury, it’s a former champion on a mission, channeling that frustration into raw power.
The Rise of Van and the Stakes for Pantoja
Joshua Van, the 24-year-old from Myanmar fighting out of Houston, has been labeled a breakout star, and his success certainly played a part in Pantoja’s quick dismissal from the rankings. Van (17-2) has been on a tear, rebounding from a 2024 knockout loss to win seven consecutive fights over the last two years, including a “Fight of the Year” against Brandon Royval in 2025 and an “all-action title defense” against Tatsuro Taira in May. Pantoja (30-6), now fighting from Florida where he moved in 2018 to train full-time at American Top Team, faces a formidable opponent. This rematch isn’t just about a title; it’s about Pantoja proving his worth, reclaiming his spot, and showing the world he’s still one of the most decorated champions in the sport’s history. Catch the action this Saturday when they headline UFC 331 in Los Angeles, airing at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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