Former training partner sees UFC's 'political move' and bets on Pantoja's easy victory over Joshua Van

Alexandre pantoja celebrates fourth defense of the UFC flyweight belt. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC

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The flyweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) may have its next chapter defined soon, and a former training partner of the champion Alexandre pantoja has strong opinions on the current state of the division. Former UFC fighter and Rizin standout José Torres analyzed the potential matchup between the Brazilian and Joshua Van, which has been gaining momentum behind the scenes after the UFC 317.

During his participation in the podcast 'Bowks Talking Bouts', the former Ultimate recalled his history with Pantoja, with whom he has shared training sessions, and believes that the duel between the Brazilian and Joshua Van represents another move by the organization to renew faces in the category.

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"I don't know if Van technically deserves a title shot, even though he beat the number one ranked fighter. But it shows how desperate the UFC is for new faces and competition (...). Pantoja is a phenomenal athlete. I believe he can beat Van, but I don't think anything big will happen right away. Maybe they'll bring in another champion from outside or some big name to debut directly in a title shot," Torres said.

For Torres, the UFC has shown a rush to seek out high-profile names and potential international narratives. He cited the case of the Japanese Kai Asakura, who debuted directly against the champion in the UFC's attempt to expand its reach in the Asian market.

"The UFC has its own agenda. They want to expand into Japan, perhaps open another PI (Performance Institute) like they did in China. That's why they're forcing certain marriages," he commented.

Joshua Van made it 'fight of the year' to face Alexandre Pantoja

Joshua Van won Brandon royval during the 'International Struggle Week', in UFC 317, the same card in which Pantoja retained the belt by overcoming Kai Kara FranceThe fight was one of the best of the year, which put the young talent's name on the radar of the top of the division.

He had also taken on the responsibility of facing the American with about a week of preparation and still won. The two fighters faced off in the octagon.