Poatan (left) facing Adesanya (right). Photo: Reproduction / Twitter
On a collision course for one of the most anticipated rematches in recent years, Alexandre Pantoja will face a tough challenge to overcome Joshua Van and reclaim the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg). More than a decade older than the current champion, the Brazilian will have to draw inspiration from former athletes who found themselves in the same situation and returned home once again to the top of the sport.
The defeat in the first fight came in the most anticlimactic way possible. In less than a minute, the Rio native found himself injured and unable to continue fighting, so Van became the new champion under completely unusual circumstances. Considering Pantoja's situation, SUPER LUTAS decided to recall some champions who experienced similar scenarios and managed to win.
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Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Poatan
Alex Poatan (left) face-off with Israel Adesanya . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Great rivals since their kickboxing days, Alex Poatan and Israel Adesanya experienced unforgettable moments in the world's most famous octagon. The Nigerian, the middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), faced the Brazilian in the main event of UFC 281. After a very balanced duel, the São Paulo native knocked out his rival in the fifth round and became the new champion.
The two met again in April 2023, and Adesanya experienced one of the best moments of his career by knocking out the Brazilian's lights in the second round, creating one of the most memorable images in the history of the sport during the celebration.
Alex Poatan unconscious after being knocked out by Israel Adesanya . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Randy Couture x Vitor Belfort
Vitor Belfort (left) was defeated by Randy Couture (right) in a rematch in 2004. Photo: Reproduction/ UFC Fight Pass
Without a doubt, this is the case most similar to the situation experienced by Pantoja. Then light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), Randy Couture defended his title against Vitor Belfort in January 2004 at UFC 46, in what would be the second fight between the two. A heavy favorite, the American lost under completely bizarre circumstances. When throwing a punch, part of the stitching on Belfort's glove injured Couture's eyelid, preventing him from continuing. The fight lasted only 49 seconds and crowned the Brazilian as the new champion. The two met again for the third time months later, with "The Natural" dominating his opponent and winning by technical knockout in the third round.
Amanda Nunes vs Juliana Peña
Amanda Nunes faced Juliana Peña for the first time at UFC 289. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
Amanda Nunes was the victim of one of the biggest upsets in MMA history when she was submitted by Juliana Peña at UFC 269 in December 2021. The defeat cost her the bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg). After a tense rivalry developed, the two faced off in a rematch in July of the following year, and the result was completely different. The Lioness dominated her opponent for five rounds and won by unanimous decision, clearly demonstrating her superiority over Peña.
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