Alexandre Pantoja coach touts ‘Pantoja 2.0’ ahead of UFC 331

One of Alexandre Pantoja’s coaches is excited about the former champ’s Octagon return.

Nearly eight months after losing his Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight title to Joshua Van due to an arm injury in the opening minute of their UFC 323 matchup, Pantoja will have an opportunity to reclaim the belt when the two meet again in the UFC 331 main event on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

According to American Top Team strength and conditioning coach Everton Oliveira, the injury hasn’t impeded Pantoja's development.

Everton Oliveira details Alexandre Pantoja's recovery ahead of return
Pantoja was a dominant champion going into his title defense against Van last year. However, after the challenger caught his kick, “The Cannibal” used his forearm as a frame while falling to the canvas. An awkward landing saw Pantoja immediately indicate that his arm was injured, prompting the referee to step in.

“It was an extremely positive surprise the way Pantoja responded to the injury,” Oliveira told Sherdog. “It was a serious one, but he didn’t have to undergo surgery. The following week, he was already doing physical therapy.”

Oliveira believes Pantoja's recovery was going so well that the former champion could have returned in May if needed.

“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.”

The coach then emphasized that the additional time away from the competition after Pantoja recovered could ultimately benefit the former 125-pound king.

“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.”