Overview
- Joshua Van claimed the flyweight title by TKO just 26 seconds into the UFC 323 co-main event after Alexandre Pantoja suffered a gruesome arm injury.
- Broadcaster Megan Olivi relayed from UFC chief physician Dr. Jeff Davidson that Pantoja had a left shoulder dislocation, a description Dana White repeated at the post-fight press conference.
- Pantoja’s team and subsequent medical updates pointed to an elbow injury, aligning with replays and commentary from Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier and fueling criticism of the initial messaging.
- Olivi emphasized she reported doctor-supplied information and received public support from journalist Aaron Bronsteter, as fighters and fans reacted strongly to the repeatedly aired replays.
- Pantoja said he expects to return “sooner than you think,” Van expressed interest in a rematch, and White suggested Van could defend next—potentially against Tatsuro Taira—pending imaging and recovery timelines.