Alexandre Pantoja is not just another name in the UFC flyweight division. For many fans and analysts, he represents toughness, discipline, and a championship mindset.
Even after suffering one of the most unfortunate losses of his career at UFC 323, Pantoja has once again shown why he is respected as one of the toughest fighters the sport has ever seen.
Recent photos and videos of Alexandre Pantoja training with a wrapped left arm have gone viral among MMA fans. These images are more than just workout clips; they send a powerful message.
Pantoja is not done. He is not broken. And most importantly, his hunger for the flyweight title is still very much alive.
This article breaks down what really happened at UFC 323, how Alexandre Pantoja lost his title, why his loss was not a true defeat, and how his latest training footage proves that his comeback is only a matter of time.
Alexandre Pantoja: A Flyweight Legend
Before talking about the injury and the loss, it is important to understand who Alexandre Pantoja really is.
Pantoja has been one of the most consistent fighters in the UFC flyweight division. Known for his pressure, grappling skills, durability, and fight IQ, he built his legacy by beating top contenders and defending his title against elite competition.
Many fans consider Alexandre Pantoja the flyweight goat because of:
- His long run against top-ranked opponents
- His ability to fight through adversity
- His championship performances under pressure
Unlike fighters who rely on hype, Pantoja earned everything through hard work. That is why his loss at UFC 323 shocked the MMA world.
What Happened at UFC 323: The Real Story
The UFC 323 flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van ended in controversy and disappointment for fans.
On paper, the result reads:
Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by TKO in Round 1
But the truth tells a very different story.
The Fight-Ending Moment
The fight barely got started before disaster struck.
Early in the first round, Alexandre Pantoja threw a high kick aimed at Joshua Van.
Van read the kick well, blocked it cleanly, and pushed Pantoja off balance. As Pantoja fell, he tried to stop his fall by planting his left hand on the canvas.
That single moment changed everything.
Pantoja landed awkwardly on his left arm, causing a severe elbow dislocation.
The injury was instantly visible. Pantoja collapsed, clearly in pain, and immediately signaled that something was wrong.
The referee stepped in and stopped the fight.
Not a Knockout, Not a Beating
One thing must be made very clear.
- Joshua Van did not knock out Alexandre Pantoja.
- Joshua Van did not outstrike him.
- Joshua Van did not dominate him.
The fight ended because of an unfortunate injury, not because Pantoja was beaten.
This distinction matters, especially for fans who understand MMA deeply. Injuries are part of the sport, but they do not define a fighter’s skill or legacy.
Joshua Van became the flyweight champion because the fight was stopped, not because Pantoja was finished in combat.
Joshua Van Becomes Champion, But Questions Remain
There is no denying that Joshua Van is talented. Becoming a UFC champion at such a young age is impressive. However, the way the title changed hands left many unanswered questions.
Fans immediately started debating:
- What if the injury never happened?
- How would the fight have played out over five rounds?
- Does Joshua Van deserve an immediate rematch with a healthy Pantoja?
Even Dana White acknowledged that the ending was unfortunate and not what anyone wanted to see.
For Pantoja, the loss was painful not just physically, but emotionally.
The Injury: Elbow Dislocation Explained
An elbow dislocation is not a small injury.
It involves:
- Severe ligament damage
- Joint instability
- Long recovery time
- Risk of long-term stiffness
For fighters, elbow injuries are especially serious because grappling, striking, and even basic training depend heavily on arm mobility.
Most fighters would take months off. Some would delay training entirely.
But Alexandre Pantoja is not most fighters.
Pantoja Training With a Broken Arm: What We Know
Just weeks after UFC 323, new training footage of Alexandre Pantoja started circulating online.
In the videos and photos:
- Pantoja is seen lifting a kettlebell
- His left arm is heavily wrapped
- He is moving with focus and control
- His intensity remains unchanged
This shocked many fans.
Training with a wrapped arm after such an injury shows:
- Mental toughness
- Championship discipline
- Strong pain tolerance
- Desire to return faster
Pantoja is clearly not sitting at home feeling sorry for himself. He is staying active, staying sharp, and keeping his body ready.
Why This Training Matters
Some people misunderstand this kind of training and call it reckless. But experienced fighters know the difference.
Pantoja is not abusing the injured arm. He is:
- Maintaining conditioning
- Keeping muscle memory active
- Staying mentally engaged
- Preventing ring rust
Elite fighters train around injuries, not through them.
This approach shortens comeback time and keeps the fighter in fighting shape once cleared by doctors.
The Mindset of a Champion
What separates champions from contenders is mindset.
Alexandre Pantoja’s actions after UFC 323 show:
- No excuses
- No complaining
- No public blame
Instead of talking, he is working.
Training with an injury is not about ego. It is about staying connected to the grind. Fighters who completely stop often struggle mentally during recovery. Pantoja understands this better than most.
Fans React to Pantoja’s Training Videos
MMA fans responded strongly to the footage.
Many praised Pantoja for:
- His warrior mentality
- His refusal to quit
- His hunger to reclaim the title
Social media comments reflected one common theme:
“This guy is not done.”
Even fans who support Joshua Van admitted that Pantoja deserves another shot once healthy.
Will There Be a Rematch?
From a business and sporting perspective, a rematch makes perfect sense.
Reasons why UFC will likely book it:
- The title changed hands due to injury
- The fight ended in under a minute
- Fans want closure
- Pantoja is still a top draw
If Pantoja recovers fully and wins one fight, the UFC has every reason to give him another title opportunity.
Can Alexandre Pantoja Win the Title Again?
The short answer: Yes
Pantoja still has:
- Elite grappling
- Championship experience
- Five-round cardio
- Strong fight IQ
If his elbow heals properly, there is no reason to believe he cannot reclaim the flyweight title.
In fact, many believe that a motivated Pantoja is even more dangerous than before.
What This Says About Alexandre Pantoja’s Legacy
Win or lose in the future, Alexandre Pantoja’s legacy is already secured.
Training with a broken arm is not about proving toughness. It is about proving identity. Pantoja has always been a fighter who:
- Never backs down
- Never looks for shortcuts
- Never quits
Moments like this are why fighters earn respect beyond titles.
Final Thoughts: A Comeback Is Inevitable
Alexandre Pantoja did not lose his spirit at UFC 323. He lost due to an accident — something no fighter can control.
What he can control is his response.
By returning to training early, staying disciplined, and refusing to fade away, Pantoja has already won a different battle. The physical injury will heal, but his mindset never broke.
- Alexandre Pantoja is still a warrior.
- Alexandre Pantoja is still elite.
- And Alexandre Pantoja will be back.
The flyweight division has not seen the last of him.
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