UFC 323 Live Blog: Thrilling Showdown Between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van
In an unexpected turn of events at UFC 323, Joshua Van emerged victorious over Alexandre Pantoja, claiming the flyweight championship. The bout took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Pantoja was the reigning champion with a record of 30 wins and 5 losses. Known for his dominance in the 125-pound division, Pantoja, ranked No. 4 in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings, had successfully defended his title four times before this fight.
Overview of the Championship Bout
The co-main event featured Joshua Van, a rising star with a professional record of 15 wins and 2 losses. Since making his professional debut in 2021, Van has quickly established himself in the UFC, winning 8 of his 9 bouts. This included an impressive Fight of the Year contender against Brandon Royval, which earned him this championship shot.
Fight Highlights
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Pantoja’s Record: 30-5, 4 consecutive title defenses
- Van’s Record Prior to Fight: 15-2, 8 UFC wins
- Pantoja’s Ranking: No. 4 in Pound-for-Pound
- Outcome: Van wins via TKO due to Pantoja’s arm injury in Round 1
The fight began with Pantoja delivering leg kicks and engaging in exchanges. However, Van surprised many by going for grappling early in the bout. A high kick from Pantoja was caught by Van, who managed to trip the champion. Within just 26 seconds into Round 1, Pantoja suffered an arm injury, signaling that he could not continue. The referee subsequently called off the fight, resulting in Van’s victory.
Post-Fight Reactions
Following the match, an emotional Van reflected on his win. “Now the world will never forget Joshua Van and the people of Myanmar,” he stated, expressing gratitude to his mother. While he acknowledged the nature of the victory was not how he envisioned it, he expressed respect for Pantoja, deeming him one of the greatest fighters. Van is now poised for future challenges, indicating he would face any opponent the UFC places in front of him.
This championship bout at UFC 323 showcased the unpredictability of mixed martial arts, as Joshua Van celebrated a historic moment in his career. He now holds the title and solidifies his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
