Pantoja's Coach Anticipates Enhanced Performance at UFC 331

Alexandre Pantoja is preparing for a title rematch against Joshua Van at UFC 331, with his strength and conditioning coach expressing confidence in his readiness. Pantoja, a former UFC flyweight champion, lost the title to Van at UFC 323 in January due to an injury sustained during a takedown defense.

Following the injury, which required a quick stoppage, Pantoja avoided surgery and began physical therapy within a week. His coach, Everton Oliveira, noted that Pantoja's recovery was swift enough that he could have returned to the octagon as early as May if necessary.

The time off has allowed Pantoja to refine his skills further, and Oliveira remarked that the fighter is now at his physical and technical peak. Pantoja is set to face Van again on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.