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UFC Weighs Pantoja–Van Rematch as Ex-Champ Shows Quick Return to Training

Initial scans found no elbow fracture pending specialist guidance on surgery.

Overview

  • One week after UFC 323, Alexandre Pantoja shared video of a protected-arm workout as he begins light training.
  • Coach Marcos Parrumpa says the injury is to Pantoja’s left elbow, not his shoulder, and early imaging showed nothing broken.
  • Doctors will decide in the coming weeks whether Pantoja needs surgery or can proceed with physical therapy, leaving his return timeline unresolved.
  • Parrumpa says UFC executives expressed interest in an immediate title rematch with Joshua Van if Pantoja’s recovery window is reasonable.
  • If the layoff proves longer, the UFC is preparing other title plans, with Dana White pointing to a potential Van defense against Tatsuro Taira.