UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja seeks to solidify his legacy as one of the best in mixed martial arts as he prepares for his title defense against Joshua Van at UFC 323. The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 7, 2025. At 35 years old, Pantoja aims to prove that age is just a number, especially in a sport where youth often reigns supreme.
The narrative surrounding this co-main event has largely focused on the age difference between Pantoja and the 24-year-old Van. However, Pantoja’s remarkable journey over the past two years has been a compelling storyline in its own right. With a record of 30-5, Pantoja has climbed the pound-for-pound rankings, showcasing significant improvements in his game.
When Pantoja first entered the octagon for a title shot in 2023 against Brandon Moreno, he was considered an underdog. The fight was a grueling five-round battle, culminating in a split decision victory that earned him respect across the sport. Despite skepticism regarding his ability to maintain a long reign due to his age and history of taking damage, Pantoja has since proven his critics wrong.
“I just started believing I could be a UFC champion only three or four years ago when I came to American Top Team, which is the best gym in the world,” Pantoja told CBS Sports. His training at this renowned facility in Florida, alongside elite fighters like Kyoji Horiguchi and Adriano Moraes, has been pivotal in his evolution as a fighter.
Financial stability from his championship status has also played a crucial role in his development. Pantoja acknowledged that becoming a champion has allowed him to invest significantly in his career. “I have money to invest much more in my professional area,” he said. This includes better physical therapy, nutrition, and a focus on being a full-time athlete, which has enhanced his performance.
Before his championship reign, Pantoja was juggling a side job delivering food to support his family. Now, he is a transformed fighter, evident in his recent title defenses, where he showcased dominant submission victories over competitors like Kai Asakura and Kai Kara-France. These performances have positioned him as one of the top flyweights in UFC history, second only to Demetrious Johnson for the most title defenses in the division.
Pantoja’s newfound confidence is evident in his approach to fighting. “I start to believe more in myself in everything that I did. Now, I start to put more into my technique,” he explained. He recognizes the importance of protecting himself in the octagon, shifting from his earlier brawler mentality to a more strategic fighting style.
As he faces Van, Pantoja remains keenly aware of his position within the sport. He aspires to be recognized as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, citing Islam Makhachev as a formidable contender in that discussion. “I think it’s the best time for UFC and the best era for fans and fighters,” he stated, emphasizing the collective talent in the sport today.
Pantoja compares his growth to that of Johnson, who revolutionized the flyweight division with his blend of striking and grappling skills. He aims to continue evolving, even as he acknowledges the physical toll of competing at a high level. “My body feels pain all the time,” he admitted, revealing the challenges of maintaining peak performance.
The upcoming title defense is not just a fight for Pantoja; it represents a culmination of hard work, personal sacrifice, and a desire to leave a lasting impact on the sport. “I’m very glad to still be with this belt and have the chance to fight one more time,” he said, reflecting on the remarkable journey that has brought him to this point.
As UFC 323 approaches, all eyes will be on Pantoja as he attempts to solidify his place among the legends of MMA while inspiring a new generation of fighters.
