Alexandre Pantoja's conqueror denies luck in victory against the Brazilian: 'He should have known how to fall'

Joshua Van in face with Alexandre pantoja Inside the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

On a collision course to defend the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg) for the first time next Saturday (9), Joshua Van still have to answer questions related to Alexandre pantojaDuring participation in Countdown of UFC 328published by the Ultimate's official YouTube channel last Sunday (3), the Burmese fighter dismissed the narrative that his victory against the Brazilian had happened merely by luck.

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According to the current champion, the bizarre injury was the result of his own actions, so it wouldn't be correct to call the accident an accident. Displaying the typical confidence of a young fighter, he questioned the Brazilian's ability to absorb takedowns.

“I didn’t think it was an accident, I made it happen. He kicked me, I pushed him. I think a black belt should know how to fall,” declared the Burmese fighter.

Joshua Van doesn't see Alexandre pantoja's injury as a fluke, and believes he caused it:

“I didn't think it was an accident, I made it happen. He kicked me, I pushed him. I think a black belt should know how to fall.” 😬pic.twitter.com/ONuwulCjbp

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 3, 2026

The confrontation between the two took place last December, during the Brazilian's fifth title defense. In the opening seconds, the Rio native suffered an elbow injury when he braced himself on the mat while being taken down by his opponent. Despite the graphic image, the athlete only suffered a dislocation, without fractures or ligament ruptures.

Pantoja is set to face the winner of the match.

Alexandre pantoja He was injured at UFC 323. Photo: UFC Eurasia

Despite the low severity of the injury, the UFC didn't have the patience to wait for the Brazilian's full recovery and quickly scheduled his fight for next weekend, initially set for UFC 327 and rescheduled after Van experienced undisclosed problems. As of now, there is no return date set for Pantoja, who will have to wait to face the winner of the bout between the two young fighters.