Alexandre Pantoja has a problem with how his Joshua Van loss is remembered

Alexandre Pantoja is preparing for a title rematch against Joshua Van at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles, and the former flyweight champion wants his legacy to reflect his true credentials.

Pantoja lost his belt to Van in December last year when an early arm injury significantly hampered his performance. While he acknowledges the fight result and loss of his title, Pantoja disputes the narrative that Van simply outfought him. "He not beat me, you know?" Pantoja said in a recent interview. "I know like an athlete, I lose the fight, I know I lose my belt, I'm not my champion anymore, but it's not someone beat me."

The Brazilian fighter points to an impressive résumé at 125 pounds: victories over top-10 contenders, multiple wins over the same opponents, and an eight-fight winning streak before dropping the belt. "I fight with the best fighters in my division," Pantoja said. "I fight with the whole Top 10, I beat some guys three times and I have eight wins in a row, you know, with the best fighters."

Despite frustration about the lack of recognition, Pantoja says it won't change his mindset heading into the rematch. "What I want is to be the best fighter in the world. I try to be that guy every day in my life, because I'm training very hard," he said. "Joshua Van can be sure, I want that fight more than ever."