Alexandre Pantoja reveals how his injury positively impacted the UFC.

Alexandre Pantoja in an interview with Joe Rogan. Photo: Reproduction/X

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Alexandre Pantoja believes his loss to Joshua Van may have had a positive impact on the UFC flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg). The Brazilian faced the Burmese fighter in the main event of UFC 323, held in December 2025, but was forced to withdraw from the fight after suffering a shoulder injury in the opening seconds. In the former champion's view, the incident contributed to making the division even more dynamic and attractive.

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Pantoja highlighted the high technical level displayed in Joshua Van 's victory over Tatsuro Taira . According to the Brazilian, the fight showcased the quality of the division and showed the public that the flyweight division can deliver fights as intense as those in other more prestigious divisions.

“A very good fight ( Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira ). It showed a lot of high-level skills. Don't get me wrong, on the same night you had the fight between Chimaev and Strickland, and you can see the difference in pace, in the technical level. This is good to prove to everyone that the flyweight division is one of the most exciting in the UFC,” said Pantoja.

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Furthermore, Pantoja pointed to other recent fights as proof of the division's evolution. According to the Brazilian, the flyweight division is experiencing its best moment, with athletes providing great spectacles for the public.

Finally, the former champion stated that the events of the past year have helped to make the division even more competitive. Confident, Pantoja believes he now has the opportunity to regain prominence and return to winning against his rivals inside the octagon.

“You see Manel Kape against Kyoji Horiguchi . You see Brandon Royval , all these guys putting on great shows for the audience, and I think the flyweight division is better than ever now. I think what happened to me last year made the division even more intense. Now I have the opportunity to take control and beat everyone again,” said Alexandre Pantoja.

Alexandre Pantoja awaits rematch against Joshua Van

With five title wins, Alexandre Pantoja has one of the longest reigns in UFC flyweight history. However, the Brazilian hasn't fought since his bout against Joshua Van , when he suffered an injury, and now awaits the rematch in the octagon.

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