Former UFC champion Alexandre Pantoja provides update on return from injury

Former UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has provided an update on his future return from injury.

As we know, Alexandre Pantoja is one of the greatest flyweights of all time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, his incredible title reign came to an end in his last outing when a freak injury ensured that he lost the belt to youngster Joshua Van. Now, Van will defend the strap against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327.

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Pantoja, meanwhile, is attempting to make his comeback from the aforementioned arm injury he suffered, as he moves on to a new chapter of his career. He’s already achieved everything he could have ever hoped to, and now, it’s about climbing that second mountain and proving he’s still capable of being a world champion.

In a recent interview, Pantoja provided an update on his future.

Pantoja discusses UFC return timeline

“The UFC asked me about the fight, but if I can remember, it was the last days of January,” Pantoja said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “In that time, two months ago, I said no, maybe I can fight in June. But after that, after one month, beginning of March, I think I’m ready to fight.

“If the guys asked me, maybe I’m ready to fight in Miami, but that’s OK. I can enjoy watching the fight. I think for that fight, it’s the real chance for Joshua Van to prove he’s the champion of the world. That’s the real fight for the belt because with me, he didn’t have a fight.”

“I’m not judging because that’s the dream for everybody,” Pantoja said. “It was in his destiny to have this belt, and now everybody has the opportunity to see if Joshua Van is the real champion of the world or if he just (won) a ticket from Willy Wonka. F*ck, man, that kid is very lucky.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Should Pantoja get an immediate shot at the title when he returns? Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!