Pantoja Calls Van Loss A Gift From God

Alexandre Pantoja says the freak injury that cost him his UFC flyweight title against Joshua Van last December turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Pantoja suffered the injury just 26 seconds into the December championship bout when Van caught his kick and forced him backwards. The Brazilian landed awkwardly on his arm as he crashed to the canvas, causing an injury that ended the fight on the spot. The anticlimactic finish initially frustrated Pantoja, but he now views it as a turning point.

Ahead of their rematch at UFC 331, Pantoja told Stake that the loss forced him to reassess everything. "I feel like this was such a great gift from God, to allow me to lose like that and come back to have this opportunity to go again and get the championship back," he said. "I've been training much better now. I have a better diet, I try to sleep better and I have good people working with me. That allows me to focus much more."

Pantoja said he processed the loss quickly and turned his attention to regaining the belt. "I think after these 20 minutes, I'm already over it and focused on what I have to do to get back," he said. "I am a very fast learner and I really understood what I had to do."

The dynamic between the two fighters has soured since their first meeting. While the initial matchup was amicable, bad blood has developed heading into the rematch, per Sherdog. UFC 331 takes place later this year.