Alexandre Pantoja aims for a UFC return in the first half of the year and already has an opponent in mind; find out.

Pantoja at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/pantoja_oficial

Out of action after suffering a bizarre injury at UFC 323, Alexandre Pantoja seeks to reclaim the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg), currently held by Joshua Van . However, although the arm injury impacted spectators during the fight, the Rio de Janeiro native is showing great progress in his quest to regain the crown. According to Marcos Da Matta, aka Parrumpinha, his pupil has already returned to sparring and could return in the first half of the year.

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In an interview last Tuesday (11) with 'MMA Insight', Parrumpa explained that Pantoja's progress has been good and that the first training session with a little more contact was done this week.

“He did his first light sparring session today. Everyone could see how serious the injury was two months ago. But Pantoja is a very focused person, he has worked hard to recover since day one. He can't wait to come back and (finish the fight) against Joshua Van ,” revealed the coach, who has been in the former champion's corner for over a decade.

Alexandre Pantoja is on the road to recovery 💪

“You don't understand what kinda man I am.”

(via @Pantojamma ) pic.twitter.com/TT5ZLWoJft

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 12, 2025

Speaking about the fighter's future and the rest of the division, Parrumpa expressed confidence in an immediate rematch should the Rio native return in the first half of the year. However, he also sees the possibility of other names being prioritized.

“If he comes back in May, the rematch needs to happen. If he needs more time, I see (Manel) Kape and (Tatsuro) Taira with better chances of fighting for the belt, with Kyogi (Horiguchi) in third place. The fact is, just as the lightweight division depends on (Ilia) Topuria, the flyweight division depends on Pantoja,” he concluded.

Parrumpinha next to Pantoja at ATT. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/parrumpaatt

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