The co-main event of UFC 323 was supposed to be one of the most exciting flyweight title fights of the year.
Fans were expecting a fast, technical, and high-intensity war between the reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja and the rising contender Joshua Van.
Instead, what unfolded inside the octagon was one of the most unfortunate and unexpected endings in recent UFC history.
Within just 26 seconds, the fight was over not because of a knockout, not because of a submission, but because of a sudden and painful arm injury suffered by Pantoja.
The champion’s elbow appeared to dislocate during an exchange, instantly stopping the fight and leaving fans stunned. And just like that, Joshua Van became the new UFC Flyweight Champion.
This is the full breakdown of what happened, why fans are calling it “lucky,” and how this shocking ending will impact the flyweight division.
A High-Stake Matchup With Big Expectations
Heading into UFC 323, the hype around this co-main event was huge.
Alexandre Pantoja had built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. His recent run included wins over top names, and many believed he was entering his prime.
Joshua Van, on the other hand, was the young rising star who had caught the attention of the UFC matchmakers early in his career.
His aggressive style, sharp striking, and ability to stay composed against experienced opponents made him a fast-rising contender.
Although some believed he earned the title shot too early, many fans were curious to see how he would respond under the pressure of a championship fight.
Everything about this matchup pointed toward fireworks.
The Walkouts: A Clear Difference in Energy
The energy inside the arena was high as both fighters made their walk to the octagon.
Alexandre Pantoja looked locked-in. His expression showed focus and confidence.
He felt like a man who knew what he was doing and had no intention of giving his belt away. His warm-up in the backstage area signaled sharpness, speed, and readiness.
Joshua Van, in contrast, appeared calm and controlled. Not nervous, but not overly emotional either. He seemed to trust his skills and accept the moment.
This calmness is what many fans appreciate about him even at a young age, he doesn’t let the spotlight break his focus.
Both fighters entered the cage looking ready to put on a performance.
Round 1 Begins: A Fast Start From Both Fighters
Once the bell rang, both fighters wasted no time. They immediately stepped into striking range and began testing each other with quick exchanges.
Pantoja started aggressively, throwing kicks early to keep Van moving backward and to maintain distance. He tried mixing up his leg kicks and body kicks, searching for openings to break Van’s rhythm.
Joshua Van stepped in with punches, aiming to counter each time Pantoja lifted his leg. It was clear Van wanted to pressure early and not allow the champion to settle into his usual pace.
The fight looked promising. The first few seconds already suggested fans were in for a fast-paced matchup.
But then everything changed in an instant.
The Accident That Ended the Fight in 26 Seconds
The turning point came when Pantoja threw a high kick toward Van.
Here’s how the entire moment unfolded:
1. Pantoja attempted a head kick.
He raised his right leg for a high kick, looking to catch Van clean.
2. Joshua Van blocked it perfectly.
Van lifted his arm to block and simultaneously pushed Pantoja’s leg away, a standard defensive movement.
3. Pantoja stretched his body to maintain balance.
As the kick was deflected, Pantoja tried to prevent himself from falling. To keep himself up, he reached toward the ground with his left arm.
4. The elbow bent awkwardly.
The moment his weight came down, the elbow joint appeared to twist unnaturally.
5. Immediate reaction: Pantoja knew it was bad.
The champion instantly dropped to his knees and held his arm. He looked at Van and signaled “no,” acknowledging that he could not continue.
6. The referee stepped in instantly.
With no follow-up strikes and clear visible injury, the referee stopped the fight at the 26-second mark.
Just like that, the co-main event was over.
An entire title fight ended before it even began.
Official Result: Joshua Van Wins By TKO
The judges officially declared Joshua Van the winner by TKO due to doctor stoppage, making him the brand-new UFC Flyweight Champion.
This was the fastest finish of Van’s career and one of the most abrupt endings to a title fight in the division’s history.
But while Van celebrated the victory, the reaction inside the arena was a mix of:
- shock
- confusion
- frustration
Many fans booed because the fight had ended without a real exchange, and many believed they had been robbed of a fight they were excited to watch.
Did Joshua Van Get Lucky? Yes — Here’s Why
It is impossible to ignore the fact that Joshua Van became champion without landing a single damaging strike.
- He didn’t out-strike Pantoja.
- He didn’t out-grapple him.
- He didn’t force the injury.
The ending came from an unfortunate freak accident.
Here’s why fans are calling it lucky:
1. Pantoja injured himself during his own movement.
Van did not cause the dislocation. It was a defensive block, and Pantoja’s elbow simply gave out.
2. The fight gave no opportunity to judge who was better.
There was no real action that could show who had the upper hand.
3. Joshua Van instantly became champion without proving superiority.
A title fight is supposed to be about dominance and skill. This fight showed neither.
4. Fans expected a war, not a medical stoppage.
The disappointment made the victory feel empty for many fans.
5. Pantoja was the favorite heading in.
A sudden injury completely changed the outcome of a fight where Pantoja had a strong chance of defending his title.
So yes, Joshua Van did get lucky, and even he knows it.
But luck or not — the belt is now around his waist.
Joshua Van’s Reaction to the Win
Joshua Van looked shocked during the initial moments after the stoppage. He even showed concern for Pantoja as the replay revealed how painful the injury was.
Though the crowd booed, Van remained respectful. He didn’t over-celebrate, and he didn’t act like he scored a dominant finish.
He seemed to understand the situation: it was a win, but not the way a fighter dreams of winning a world title.
Still, a champion is a champion — and UFC rules are clear.
A TKO win stands, regardless of how it happened.
What This Means for Alexandre Pantoja
For Pantoja, this is heartbreaking.
- He trained for months.
- He was physically ready.
- He looked sharp and confident.
But injuries don’t care about preparation.
Pantoja will likely undergo medical evaluation and possibly surgery, depending on the severity of the dislocation. Recovery time for elbow injuries can vary from weeks to months.
The good news?
In situations like this, the UFC often grants the injured champion an immediate rematch once healed.
And many fans believe Pantoja deserves exactly that.
What This Means for Joshua Van and the Flyweight Division
Joshua Van is now the youngest flyweight champion the division has seen in years. Even though fans call it lucky, becoming champion puts a huge spotlight on him.
But his real test is next.
He will have to defend the title against hungry contenders who believe the belt should still belong to Pantoja.
The division is stacked with names like:
- Brandon Moreno
- Manel Kape
- Amir Albazi
- Matheus Nicolau
Van will not have an easy road ahead.
To silence critics and prove he is a true champion, he will need to win convincingly in his next fights.
Fans’ Reaction: Mixed and Emotional
The fan reaction was clear the moment the referee waved off the fight.
Many fans booed — not necessarily at Van, but at the situation.
They paid to watch a competitive title fight, not a 26-second medical stoppage.
On social media, reactions ranged from:
- disappointment
- sympathy for Pantoja
- criticism of the stoppage
- acknowledgment that Van wasn’t at fault
- excitement for a potential rematch
Most fans agree on one thing:
They want to see this fight again — properly this time.
A Rematch Is Almost Guaranteed
Given the circumstances, it’s almost certain the UFC will book Joshua Van vs Alexandre Pantoja 2 once the champion recovers.
- It’s the only fair matchup.
- Fans want it.
- Analysts want it.
- And the division needs it.
The rematch will answer the real question:
Is Joshua Van truly the best flyweight in the world? Or was UFC 323 simply an unlucky night for Alexandre Pantoja?
Conclusion: Joshua Van Is Champion, But UFC 323 Leaves Many Questions
The co-main event of UFC 323 will be remembered for its sudden and shocking ending.
Joshua Van walked out as the new UFC Flyweight Champion, but the victory came under circumstances no fighter dreams of.
Pantoja’s freak elbow dislocation turned a highly anticipated showdown into a 26-second TKO that left fans stunned and disappointed.
Yes, Joshua Van got lucky, there’s no denying that.
But MMA is unpredictable. Anything can happen inside the cage, and fighters must accept whatever outcome comes their way.
- Joshua Van now carries the responsibility of proving he earned that belt.
- Alexandre Pantoja will focus on recovery and a rightful rematch.
- And fans will wait eagerly for the moment these two warriors face each other again — this time, without accidents and without questions.
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