Pantoja coach declares 'turbo version' ready to reclaim UFC flyweight title at 331

Alexandre Pantoja enters his UFC 331 rematch against flyweight champion Joshua Van on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles not just recovered, but — according to his coach — improved. American Top Team strength and conditioning coach Everton Oliveira says the eight-month layoff following Pantoja’s injury-forced title loss has produced a sharper, more motivated fighter.

Pantoja dropped the flyweight belt at UFC 323 in the opening minute of his title defence when Van caught his kick and “The Cannibal” used his forearm as a frame while falling to the canvas. The awkward landing left Pantoja immediately signalling distress, and the referee stepped in to stop the contest. It was a jarring end for a champion who had looked dominant throughout his reign.

Olieira was quick to stress that the injury, while serious, never required surgery. “It was an extremely positive surprise the way Pantoja responded to the injury,” he said. “It was a serious one, but he didn’t have to undergo surgery. The following week, he was already doing physical therapy.”

The recovery progressed so rapidly that Oliveira believes Pantoja could have returned as early as May had the UFC required it. “Thanks to his dedication and commitment, his recovery was amazing,” Oliveira added. “Let’s say that if the UFC had needed him to return in May, he would have been ready.”

Rather than viewing the extended time away from competition as a setback, Oliveira frames it as an unexpected advantage. He noted that Pantoja was already in the best form of his career heading into the UFC 323 camp, and that the enforced break has only sharpened his hunger.

“Before the injury, during his last camp, he was already going through the best phase of his career,” Oliveira said. “This time away from training only increased his motivation. I’m excited to see this Pantoja 2.0 turbo version, with a performance above his normal level. He’s more mature and at his physical and technical prime.”

Pantoja will need to be at that level when he faces Van again. The champion stopped him once already, and a second defeat would severely damage the Brazilian’s standing in the 125-pound division. A victory, however, would make Pantoja a two-time flyweight champion and settle the rivalry on his terms.