Who is Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre Pantoja — nicknamed “The Cannibal” — is a Brazilian mixed-martial artist, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the flyweight division of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
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Age: Born April 16, 1990 — making him 35 years old as of December 2025.
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Division & Physique: Competes in the flyweight division (125 lb), with a reach of 67 inches.
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Career Stats: As of his latest fight, he had compiled a record of roughly 30 wins (with 8 by knockout, 12 by submission, 10 by decision) and 6 losses.
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Reputation & Legacy: Pantoja holds multiple UFC flyweight records: most wins, most submissions, and most finishes in the division. He is often considered second only to Demetrious Johnson in flyweight GOAT conversations.
Before the recent bout, Pantoja had enjoyed a dominant title reign — winning the belt at UFC 290 (July 2023) and defending successfully multiple times (against opponents like Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, Kai Asakura and Kai Kara‑France).
Injury & What Happened at UFC 323
At UFC 323 (December 6, 2025), Pantoja’s legendary flyweight title reign came to a sudden, tragic end. Just 26 seconds into the first round, during his fight with Joshua Van, a high kick attempt by Pantoja was caught by Van — and in the ensuing scramble, Pantoja fell awkwardly to the canvas, bracing his fall with his arm. The result: a severe arm injury, possibly a broken bone or dislocation.
Eyewitnesses and commentators described the injury as gruesome — one replay showed the forearm snapping visibly as Pantoja attempted to post on the ground.
The referee stopped the fight immediately; Pantoja was unable to continue, and was escorted out of the Octagon to receive medical attention. Official result: TKO (arm injury), Round 1, 0:26.
After the fight, Pantoja posted a brief update on social media: “I’ve been through worse. I’ll come back even stronger, you can be sure of that. Thank you for the messages.”
Career Record & Achievements (Before Injury)
Before this devastating loss, Pantoja was riding one of the greatest runs in UFC flyweight history.
Key career highlights:
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Won the UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC 290 (July 2023) — defeating Brandon Moreno.
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Multiple successful title defenses: including wins over Royval, Erceg, Asakura, Kara-France.
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Holds the record (or tied for) for most wins, fastest finishes, and most submissions in UFC flyweight history.
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Known for a versatile skillset: powerful striking (KO/TKO wins), elite submissions, and strong fight IQ.
Many analysts considered him among the best flyweights ever — just behind or alongside Demetrious Johnson.
What’s Next: Injury Update & Future Outlook
Given the severity of the injury — initial reports speak of a broken arm or dislocation leading to fight stoppage — the future of Pantoja’s comeback will depend heavily on medical scans and rehabilitation.
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At the post-fight press conference, there was uncertainty whether the injury was at the elbow or shoulder. Some sources report shoulder; others say elbow.
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Pantoja has expressed determination to return: in his statement, he said fans can expect him back stronger than ever.
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Given his age (35) and history, a comeback won’t be easy — but if successful, he could still aim to reclaim top spot in flyweight.
Until recovery is complete, an immediate rematch or new title defense is unlikely. This unfortunate injury opens the door for new contenders (including Josh Van) to step into title contention.
Recent Media Coverage & Reaction
The unexpected injury at UFC 323 sent shockwaves through the MMA world. The fight ended in a “freak accident,” and many — including fighters, fans, and commentators — expressed disbelief and sorrow.
Commentators watching the replay reportedly “feared the worst,” as the arm injury looked devastating.
In social media and press interviews, Pantoja’s resolve and message of determination — “I’ll be back even stronger” — has drawn support and optimism from fans worldwide.
Conclusion
Alexandre Pantoja’s career — which until now was defined by dominance, skill, and record-setting superiority — has hit an unexpected roadblock in the form of a brutal arm injury at UFC 323. At 35, the recovery will determine whether he can reclaim his place among flyweight elites. But given his track record, work-ethic, and mental toughness, many believe the “Cannibal” still has chapters left to write.
