Alexandre Pantoja is absolutely recovered and able to settle the rating with Joshua Vann.
In December, Pantoja defended his flyweight title in opposition to Bunn within the co-main occasion of UFC 323, however suffered a mishap simply seconds into the battle when Bunn caught a kick after which tried to fall, injuring his arm. Since then, Pantoja has been out of motion whereas he recovers, however Van efficiently defended his new title with a five-round stoppage of Akira Hira at UFC 328 in Could.
However now Pantoja is match and able to return.
“I’m prepared,” Pantoja instructed MMA Preventing. “December ended and what occurred to my arm, two days after that, I went to the health club and began coaching with only one arm. That is who I’m. I am not performed. I am not performed but. I’ve quite a bit to overcome. I’ve quite a bit to show. And while you get the belt, your phrases (imply extra). I wish to win the belt once more. I wish to be the UFC champion once more and proceed to speak in regards to the good issues and what I see on this planet and make folks completely happy. ”
As talked about above, whereas Pantoja is out, Vann has already added a title protection to his resume, and the opposite flyweight contenders have been busy as nicely, together with Manel Kape’s KO of Kyoji Horiguchi and Brandon Roybal’s defeat of Roaner Kavanagh. For Pantoja, it was nice to see the division proceed to develop in his absence.
“It was a extremely good battle. A very good battle,” Pantoja stated of Van’s win over Taira. “They confirmed numerous high-level talent. Do not get me fallacious, there was a Chimaev-Strickland battle on the identical night time, and also you noticed a distinction in tempo and high-level. It is good to point out everybody that flyweight is without doubt one of the most entertaining weight courses within the UFC.”
“You are going to see Manel Cape and Kyoji Horiguchi. You are going to see Brandon Roybal, all of these guys placed on an excellent present for everybody. And I feel flyweight is healthier than ever proper now. I feel what occurred to me final yr has energized this division much more. Now I’ve a chance to take over and (beat) everybody once more.”
Pantoja was significantly impressed with Kape’s win over Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119 final month. After the win, Kape lobbied for the flyweight title, however Pantoja stated he got here first. He and Cape are then in a position to put issues again collectively.
“It was an important efficiency,” Pantoja stated. “I feel Kyoji Horiguchi is fairly near profitable this battle, however Manel is the true deal. For me, Manel Cape is without doubt one of the most harmful fights on this planet at flyweight. He’s the following alternative.
“In fact, I’ve unfinished enterprise with Joshua Vann. As an athlete, I do know I misplaced the battle. That is what occurred. However as a person, I do not assume he beat me. I am nonetheless right here. I am able to battle. I am in nice form. Let’s have a look at what occurs subsequent.”
