Pantoja Coach Touts '2.0 Turbo Version' For UFC 331

Alexandre Pantoja's strength and conditioning coach believes the former UFC flyweight champion is entering his best phase yet ahead of a title rematch with Joshua Van at UFC 331.

Pantoja lost the 125-pound belt to Van at UFC 323 in January when an awkward fall ruptured his arm while defending a takedown attempt. The injury forced a stoppage inside the opening minute, but Everton Oliveira of American Top Team told Sherdog that his fighter avoided surgery and was back in physical therapy within a week.

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Pantoja Could Have Returned in May, Coach Says

Oliveira said Pantoja's recovery progressed so rapidly that he could have fought in May if the UFC needed him. "Thanks to his dedication and commitment, his recovery was amazing," Oliveira said, per Sherdog. "Let's say that if the UFC had needed him to return in May, he would have been ready."

The extended layoff allowed Pantoja to sharpen other areas of his game. Oliveira said the former champion was already peaking physically and technically before the injury, and the time away only increased his motivation. "I'm excited to see this Pantoja 2.0 turbo version, with a performance above his normal level," Oliveira said. "He's more mature and at his physical and technical prime."

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Pantoja had defended the flyweight title twice before the January loss. He and Van are scheduled to run it back Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

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• Sherdog — Alexandre Pantoja coach touts ‘Pantoja 2.0’ ahead of UFC 331