Dana White confirms Pantoja will fight for the title and expresses his admiration for champion Van.

Pantoja backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/pantoja_oficial

Focused on fully recovering from his serious arm injury, Alexandre Pantoja received great news directly from Dana White. Last Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), the Brazilian, former king of the flyweight division (up to 57 kg), was present at UFC 328 and witnessed Joshua Van 's victory , the title holder, over Tatsuro Taira via knockout in the fifth round. Now, the veteran can finally prepare to meet his tormentor again in the octagon.

All because, in the post- UFC 328 press conference , the company president, when asked if Pantoja would be the next challenger for the Burmese fighter's belt, was brief and to the point, confirming him in the fight. It's true that the organization hasn't officially announced the rematch between the athletes, so there's no date or location set. In any case, Dana White is delighted with what Van, 24, has been doing in the flyweight division.

See too

Big booty! Former UFC champion shocked by Alex Poatan's 'abundance': 'I almost masturbated'

High heels? Heavily favored, Francis Ngannou mocks Brazilian's faith ahead of fight in Netflix's first MMA event.

Huge fan! UFC champion Sean Strickland reveals the importance of the legendary GSP in his career.

The striking specialist began his reign in December after Pantoja injured his arm 26 seconds into the fight and withdrew due to being unable to compete. Contested by many for the way he became champion, Van defended his title for the first time by defeating the Japanese fighter in a true war, securing his seventh consecutive victory. Therefore, the official indicated that the title is in good hands.

“Yes (Pantoja is next). After the first fight, when Van won the belt because the guy broke his elbow, he lived up to his reputation. He was incredible. What a war! I wouldn’t say anything shocked me. I’d say it impressed me. Van’s fight was fantastic, a war, back and forth,” said the UFC president.

Van celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Pantoja's records in the UFC

MMA veteran Alessandre Pantoja, 36, made his mark in the flyweight division as a dominant champion. The Brazilian holds the record for most wins in UFC flyweight history (14), by stoppage (8) and by submission (6). His main career victories were over Brandon Moreno (three times), Brandon Royval (twice), Kai Asakura , Kai Kara-France (twice), Manel Kape , and Steve Erceg.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.