One of AlexandrePantoja's coaches is excited about the former champ's Octagonreturn.
Nearly eight months after losing his Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight ******* le to Joshua Vandue to an arm injury in the opening minute of their UFC 323 matchup, Pantoja will have an opportunity to reclaimthe belt when the two meet again in the UFC331 main event on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in LosAngeles.
According to American Top Team strength and conditioning coach EvertonOliveira, the injury hasn't impeded Pantoja's development.
Pantoja was a dominant champion going into his ******* le defenseagainst Van last year. However, after the challenger caught hiskick, "The Cannibal" used his forearm as a frame while falling tothe canvas. An awkward landing saw Pantoja immediately indicatethat his arm was injured, prompting the referee to step in.
"It was an extremely positive surprise the way Pantoja responded tothe injury," Oliveira told Sherdog. "It was a serious one, but hedidn't have to undergo surgery. The following week, he was alreadydoing physical therapy."
Oliveira believes Pantoja's recovery was going so well that theformer champion could have returned in May if needed.
"Thanks to his dedication and commitment, his recovery wasamazing," Oliveira added. "Let's say that if the UFC had needed himto return in May, he would have been ready."
The coach then emphasized that the additional time away from thecompetition after Pantoja recovered could ultimately benefit theformer 125-pound king.
"Before the injury, during his last camp, he was already goingthrough the best phase of his career," Oliveira said. "This timeaway from training only increased his motivation. I'm excited tosee this Pantoja 2.0 turbo version, with a performance above hisnormal level. He's more mature and at his physical and technicalprime."
#excited #title #coach #champion
Nearly eight months after losing his Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight ******* le to Joshua Vandue to an arm injury in the opening minute of their UFC 323 matchup, Pantoja will have an opportunity to reclaimthe belt when the two meet again in the UFC331 main event on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in LosAngeles.
According to American Top Team strength and conditioning coach EvertonOliveira, the injury hasn't impeded Pantoja's development.
Pantoja was a dominant champion going into his ******* le defenseagainst Van last year. However, after the challenger caught hiskick, "The Cannibal" used his forearm as a frame while falling tothe canvas. An awkward landing saw Pantoja immediately indicatethat his arm was injured, prompting the referee to step in.
"It was an extremely positive surprise the way Pantoja responded tothe injury," Oliveira told Sherdog. "It was a serious one, but hedidn't have to undergo surgery. The following week, he was alreadydoing physical therapy."
Oliveira believes Pantoja's recovery was going so well that theformer champion could have returned in May if needed.
"Thanks to his dedication and commitment, his recovery wasamazing," Oliveira added. "Let's say that if the UFC had needed himto return in May, he would have been ready."
The coach then emphasized that the additional time away from thecompetition after Pantoja recovered could ultimately benefit theformer 125-pound king.
"Before the injury, during his last camp, he was already goingthrough the best phase of his career," Oliveira said. "This timeaway from training only increased his motivation. I'm excited tosee this Pantoja 2.0 turbo version, with a performance above hisnormal level. He's more mature and at his physical and technicalprime."
#excited #title #coach #champion
2 months ago
