Alejandre Pantoja loses UFC title after trying to breakfall on his arm and dislocating elbow and shoulder

Anson Arnold

In what became one of the most surprising moments in UFC history, Alexandre Pantoja‘s championship reign ended just 26 seconds into his bout with Joshua Van at UFC 323 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The Brazilian champion was aiming for his fifth consecutive title defense when disaster struck in the co-main event of what served as the final Pay-Per-View card of the ESPN era before the UFC transition to Paramount+. Pantoja opened aggressively and used leg kicks while engaging early with his challenger. That fast start created the moment that changed everything.

After throwing a head kick, Pantoja lost his balance and began falling toward the canvas. He instinctively posted on his left arm to break the fall and the split-second reaction caused a severe injury. Medical staff waved off the contest as Pantoja grabbed his arm in obvious pain and could not continue.

The exact nature of the injury immediately became a topic of debate. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan questioned the early medical report and insisted he saw something different.

“It doesn’t even make sense. You saw his elbow literally leave the joint.”

However, UFC reporter Megan Olivi relayed information from the organization’s chief medical physician Dr. Jeff Davidson who confirmed the injury as a shoulder dislocation with spontaneous reduction. The joint shifted out and then returned to the correct position on its own.

“On Monday in Florida, he will go for additional imaging to see the extent of the damage or if there is other damage that has been incurred and then he will meet with an orthopedic doctor as well.”

The strange ending handed Joshua Van the flyweight championship and placed him as the second youngest UFC champion ever at 24 years old, with only Jon Jones having done it younger. While Van made contact with Pantoja as the champion fell, the consensus was that this was an unexpected accident rather than a decisive moment created through competition.

Van, now wearing championship gold in circumstances he clearly did not desire, showed respect for the former champion.

“He’s one of the greatest of all time, I didn’t want the () to go that way.”

For now, Pantoja begins a lengthy rehabilitation process while Van enters the history books with one of the most unexpected title victories in UFC flyweight division history.

Anson Arnold