The previous UFC flyweight champion has spoken after losing his title on Saturday night.
At UFC 323, the co-main event produced one of the vital shocking results of the 12 months as Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja as a result of a gruesome injury in the primary round.
The Brazilian’s remarkable title run got here to a sudden end following a freak accident that occurred just 26 seconds into the flyweight title fight.
An update on Pantoja’s injury had the likes of Joe Rogan baffled because it was revealed that it was his shoulder that was damaged somewhat than his elbow.
The 35-year-old has now shared his thoughts on what went down on the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
- LATEST NEWS: ‘That’s never happened’… Joe Rogan experiences a profession first after 28 years with the UFC
Should fights like this be a no-contest?
Alexandre Pantoja lost his flyweight title as a result of an arm injury just 26 seconds into his fight with Joshua Van at UFC 323.
Alexandre Pantoja says he’ll be back before you’re thinking that to reclaim the flyweight title
Alexandre Pantoja posted a video on social media to handle what happened within the co-main event of UFC 323 shortly after the event.
Unsurprisingly, the previous flyweight champion was incredibly classy towards his opponent, Joshua Van, when reflecting on a disappointing night.
“It’s not nearly myself today, it’s about Joshua Van,” Pantoja said on Instagram. “Joshua Van, that’s his destiny to win this belt tonight… I’m gonna work very hard. I work very hard all my life and I’m gonna work again and I’m gonna take my belt again.”
Within the post-fight press conference, Dana White spoke about what he expects can be next for the previous titleholder after such a shocking injury.
“We don’t have a timeframe on how long he’ll be out,” White noted. “I don’t think, regardless of what happens, listen I’m no f—— doctor or anything, but I don’t see him coming back anytime soon.”
Pantoja, nevertheless, was way more optimistic after stating in his video that he plans on immediately starting his recovery process once he returns home.
The Brazilian wrote within the caption of his post, “We’ll be back before you’re thinking that.”
- LATEST NEWS: Islam Makhachev sends a message to Merab Dvalishvili after brutal end to his title reign at UFC 323
Dana White already suggested what he desires to be next for Joshua Van after UFC 323
With Dana White not expecting to see Alexandre Pantoja make a full recovery anytime soon, the UFC president stated that he believes the flyweight title can be defended within the meantime.
Tatsuro Taira defeated Brandon Moreno earlier on within the night, leaving White to suggest that they may have Joshua Van defend the belt within the challenger’s home country of Japan.
“I like the concept, it’s an excellent idea,” White said within the post-fight press conference. “I don’t know if it’s possible to tug off but yes, that’s what I’d wish to do.”
Who do you wish to see Joshua Van fight next?
Tell us within the comments who you’re thinking that his first flyweight title defense needs to be against.
Options for Joshua Van after UFC 323:
- Tatsuro Taira
- Winner of Brandon Royval vs Manel Kape
- Wait for Alexandre Pantoja’s return
Join the talk; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say
Taira’s win on December 6 definitely puts him within the title picture, and the prospect of the UFC returning to Japan for a giant event is solely mouth-watering.
Join the talk; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say