Alexandre Pantoja’s dominant flyweight title reign came to an end in the most disappointing of ways at UFC 323, leading to Joshua Van being awarded the belt.
Pantoja (30-6 MMA, 14-4 UFC) suffered an arm injury just 26 seconds into Saturday’s co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. As a result, the fight was deemed a TKO victory for Van (16-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC), who became the first in UFC history to win a title due to a non-eye-related opponent injury.
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Although Van proudly wore the belt afterward, there is no doubt about an asterisk at the start of his reign, and only a rematch will fully put the narrative to bed and allow both the chance to prove the truly superior fighter.
The timeline of Pantoja’s recovery will determine what happens next, though, and UFC CEO Dana White has already indicated the organization might look at another fight for Van in the meantime.
What makes most sense going forward at 125 pounds? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Van and Pantoja’s futures after UFC 323.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 323 matchmaker: Who’s next for Joshua Van after title win?
