Alexandre Pantoja Reacts to Merab's Title Loss After His Own Flyweight Classic

Alexandre Pantoja has reacted to the recent title fight heartbreak of a fellow former champion, Merab Dvalishvili, while his own epic five round battle from September continues to earn accolades. The Brazilian's social media gesture comes after his gruelling rematch with Joshua Van was officially named MMA Junkie's Fight of the Month.

Pantoja knows the sting of a close title fight defeat all too well. He lost his flyweight belt to Joshua Van at UFC 323 last year due to an arm injury, then failed to reclaim it in a judges' decision in their UFC 331 rematch earlier this year. This past weekend at UFC 333, bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili suffered a similar fate, dropping a unanimous decision to Petr Yan in his own bid to regain gold.

Seeing an Instagram post that praised Dvalishvili as "still the champ" despite the result, Pantoja responded with a series of clapping emojis. It was a silent but clear show of respect from one warrior to another. Both men have experienced the unique frustration of giving their all over five rounds only to come up short on the scorecards.

The former champion's most recent performance is still being talked about. His five round war against Joshua Van at UFC 331 in September has been selected as MMA Junkie's Fight of the Month. That bout was Pantoja's immediate attempt to win back the title he lost a year prior.

He pushed the pace and engaged Van in a brutal, back and forth contest that left both men battered. Despite his relentless effort, the judges awarded the fight and the championship to Van by decision. The fight's quality was so high that it stood out in a crowded month of action, securing the official recognition.

Pantoja's current status is that of a top contender coming off two consecutive title fight losses, albeit in extremely competitive affairs. His reaction to Dvalishvili's situation suggests a fighter who understands the mental toll of such setbacks.

His ability to deliver thrilling fights ensures he stays relevant in the division's upper echelon. For now, Pantoja is in a period of reflection and recovery after two physically demanding battles with Van. The flyweight landscape continues to shift, and his name will undoubtedly be part of any conversation about future championship challengers.

• Alexandre Pantoja lost his flyweight title to Joshua Van at UFC 323 in 2025.
• He failed to regain the belt in a rematch at UFC 331 in September 2026, a fight later named Fight of the Month.
• Pantoja recently showed support for Merab Dvalishvili after Dvalishvili lost his own title rematch at UFC 333.
• Both fighters have now suffered back to back title fight defeats in closely contested decisions.