Joshua Van (blue gloves) reacts after the fight against Alexandre Pantoja (red gloves) during UFC 323 at T-Mobile Arena.Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Disturbing Pantoja Injury Overshadows New Champion At UFC 323

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Howe Fresh | Last updated Dec 7, 2025 10:26 AM ET

The last chapter of the UFC pay-per-view era came to a close Saturday night with UFC 323. A gruesome Alexandre Pantoja injury put an asterisk on Joshua Van’s win to become the new flyweight champion. With plenty of highlights coming out of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, one unfortunate blemish shadows the event. Thanks to the UFC for providing the all-time ranking information.

Joshua Van Vs. Alexandre Pantoja – The Build

Van vs. Pantoja, the co-main event of the evening, was the first of two anticipated title matches on the card. Pantoja, already a legend in the flyweight division, came in not only to defend the title but to add to his division-best 14 wins. He also leads that group of fighters with six submission victories.

Van went into the fight on a 5-win streak, looking to break his tie with Deiveson Figueiredo and Tatsuro Taira for fifth in the flyweight division all-time win streak rankings. He’s now the second-youngest champion in UFC history, second only to 23-year-old Jon Jones.

The Pantoja Injury

The anticipation concluded as the championship tilt finally began. The Score reports that it took only 26 to reach the Pantoja injury. Trying to brace his fall, his elbow seemingly blew out of his arm as his palm hit the mat. Even the commentators were positive of an elbow injury, but MMA Fighting reports on sideline reporter Megan Olivi‘s comments during the broadcast.

Alexandre Pantoja (red gloves) fights Joshua Van (blue gloves) during UFC 323 at T-Mobile Arena.Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

“I spoke to the UFC’s chief medical physician Dr. Jeff Davidson,” Megan Olivi reported backstage. “He told me Pantoja had a left shoulder dislocation with spontaneous reduction. What that essentially means is his shoulder was dislocated but went back into place on its own.

We triple confirmed, yes, we are still being told it’s his shoulder for those asking
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) December 7, 2025

“On Monday in Florida, he will go for additional imaging to see the extent of the damage or if there is other damage that has been incurred, and then he will meet with an orthopedic doctor as well.”

End Of The Alexandre Pantoja Injury Rant

The Pantoja injury is unfortunate in many ways. That’s not how Van wanted to win the title, but it’s hard to argue he earned his way into this spot. It’s also a shame to see such a title run come to an end due to a freak injury just seconds into the fight. UFC fans await Monday’s imaging results for an update on the Brazilian.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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