Alexandre Pantoja coach touts ‘Pantoja 2.0’ ahead of UFC 331

American Top Team coach Everton Oliveira detailed Alexandre Pantoja's arm-injury recovery, underscoring why the former champion remains on track for a UFC 331 return. In comments to Sherdog, Oliveira said Pantoja, the ex-UFC flyweight titleholder, avoided surgery and began physical therapy a week after UFC 323. He added that Pantoja could have fought as early as May and now faces Joshua Van in the UFC 331 main event on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Pantoja injured his arm early in their first bout after a caught kick and awkward fall, prompting a referee stoppage. Oliveira said time away has boosted motivation and maturity, describing a "Pantoja 2.0" at his physical and technical prime.