“The Cannibal” will be back.
In a stunning turn of events, Alexandre Pantoja lost his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight title to Joshua Van in the UFC 323 co-main event last night (Sat., Dec.
6, 2025) after suffering a gruesome arm injury just 26 seconds into the fight inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada (watch highlights).
With such a gnarly-looking injury, fans assumed the former champion would be sidelined for months. But according to Pantoja himself, that might not be the case. He released a video on social media reacting to the loss and reassuring fans he’ll return soon.
“Hey guys, that’s what happened — accidents,” Pantoja said. “When I went to the UFC today, I think I was in the best shape of my life. When I saw Joshua Van on the other side of the Octagon, I believed I could finish him in the first round. That’s what I tried to do. Best camp of my life, best weight cut, best everything. I felt so great. That’s my Octagon. That’s my belt.
“I talked to my wife today — it’s not about me, but about Joshua Van. It was his destiny to win the belt tonight, and he won the belt because of my injury. I talked to God and God gave me the message. I believed it, I prayed a lot. I worked hard all of my life, and I’m going to work again, and I’m going to take my belt again… I fly back home tomorrow, and on Monday I start the work again. Thank you so much.”
His caption added: “I’ll be back sooner than you think!!!!”
The UFC has not released an official medical timeline. UFC CEO Dana White clarified that the injury was to Pantoja’s shoulder, not a freak elbow dislocation as many assumed. Whether there is significant ligament damage remains to be seen, and that will ultimately determine his recovery time.
Pantoja’s loss snaps an incredible eight-fight win streak that included victories over Kai Kara-France, Kai Asakura, Steve Erceg, and Brandon Moreno.
More information regarding the extent of the injury — and a potential timetable for his return — is expected in the coming days. Stick with MMAmania.com for updates.
For more UFC 323 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
