TLDR
- Alexandre Pantoja has returned to training after suffering an arm injury that cost him the UFC flyweight title at UFC 323
- Arman Tsarukyan revealed Pantoja is targeting a return to the Octagon around June or July 2026
- Pantoja lost his championship just 26 seconds into his fight with Joshua Van on December 6
- The injury ended Pantoja’s 882-day title reign, the second-longest in UFC flyweight history
- A rematch between Pantoja and Van is expected once the former champion receives medical clearance
Sources: EssentiallySports | Bleacher Report (via MMA Mania report) | MMA-focused analysis outlet (recent online column)
Former UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has returned to training following the arm injury that ended his title reign at UFC 323 in December. Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan revealed the update, saying Pantoja is targeting a return to the Octagon around June or July.
Pantoja lost his flyweight championship just 26 seconds into his fight against Joshua Van on December 6. The Brazilian suffered a fight-ending arm injury that brought an abrupt end to his 882-day title reign, the second-longest in UFC flyweight history.
The speed of Pantoja’s recovery has surprised many in the MMA community. Early medical updates have been encouraging, according to reports from multiple outlets.
That UFC night was absolutely insane
I watched every fight live, no bets – just vibing with polymarketHere’s the main results:
> Petr Yan beat Merab Dalishvili
> Joshua Van beat Alexandre Pantoja
> Tatsuro Taira beat brandon moreno
> Bogdan Guskov beat jan blachowicz
> Brunno… pic.twitter.com/rWyo6V889t— Noisy (@noisyb0y1) December 7, 2025
Quick Recovery Timeline Sets Up Potential Rematch
Tsarukyan’s comments suggest Pantoja could return to competition within six to seven months of the injury. The timeline would put him back in action during the summer of 2026.
A rematch between Pantoja and Van appears likely once the former champion receives medical clearance. Most observers expect the UFC to book the fight given the unusual circumstances of their first meeting.
Van became flyweight champion under circumstances he likely didn’t envision. The Myanmar native captured the title without landing a strike, inheriting the belt when Pantoja’s arm gave out in the opening seconds.
Pantoja had defended the flyweight title successfully multiple times before the injury. His reign included wins over top contenders in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.
Flyweight Division in Flux
The flyweight division faces uncertainty with Pantoja sidelined. Van now holds the championship but hasn’t had the chance to prove himself in a complete fight.
Manel Kape stands as the top contender for Van’s title. The former Rizin Fighting Federation champion has won seven of his past eight bouts, including three straight victories.
Kape most recently knocked out Brandon Royval in the first round at UFC on ESPN 73 on December 13. He appears to be next in line for a title shot while Pantoja recovers.
The division’s pecking order could shift again once Pantoja returns. His expected comeback later in 2026 will heavily influence which fighters get title opportunities.
Pantoja’s training partners have reportedly seen him working in the gym already. The Brazilian has begun the rehabilitation process that will determine when he can return to full competition.
The June-July timeline remains tentative and depends on how Pantoja’s arm heals. Medical clearance from UFC doctors will be required before any fight can be scheduled.
