Alexandre Pantoja opens up about his loss to Joshua Van at UFC 323: 'I expected to finish him in the first round'

Alexandre pantoja vents about defeat to Joshua Van No. UFC 323Photo: Reproduction / X

Alexandre pantoja He was sincere. The Brazilian, former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), spoke on social media about his defeat to Joshua Van No. UFC 323, last Saturday (6). Pantoja was convinced that he could beat Joshua in the first round, but the injury in the first 30 seconds of the fight prevented him from applying his plan.

In a video posted on social media, the former UFC bantamweight champion Alexandre pantoja He opened up about his injury and expressed confidence that he would be able to win. Joshua Van still in the first round of event number 323.

"Accidents happen. When I stepped into the UFC today, I think I was in the best shape of my life. When I saw..." Joshua Van On the other side of the octagon, I believed I could finish him in the first round, that's what I wanted to do. Best camp of my life, best weight cut, best in everything. I feel very comfortable in the octagon. That's my octagon, that's my belt, that's everything I've done in my life up to that moment… Joshua Van "It's his destiny to win that belt tonight. He only managed to win that belt because of my injury today… I've worked very hard my whole life and I'm going to work again and I'm going to get my belt back," he said. Alexandre pantoja on the social networks.

Alexandre pantoja talks about his injury and is confident of a first round finish #UFC323 pic.twitter.com/ABdsEoOq0P

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 7, 2025

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The Brazilian Alexandre pantoja already holds several records in the UFC bantamweight division. Among them, Pantoja has the most wins (14), finishes (8) and wins via submission (6).

Alexandre pantoja had already expressed his interest in surpassing the records of Demetrious Johnson in: longest winning streak (13) and title defense (12).

With his defeat to Joshua Van No. UFC 323, the brazilian Alexandre pantoja He stopped at eight consecutive wins and five completed title defenses.