Alexandre Pantoja channels Rocky Balboa in emotional statement after UFC 331 loss
The sports very own Rocky Balboa, Alexandre Pantoja, dug deep and gave a performance to be proud of at UFC 331, but it wasn’t enough.
The South American was a dominant champion at flyweight before a freak injury cost him his title. Eight straight wins and four title defenses against the world’s elite at 125 pounds were stunted when a wrong landing severely dislocated his left elbow and ended his championship reign. Believing he was still the best in the world, Pantoja returned after nine months to fight the man who sat on his throne, Joshua Van.
True bad blood between the two added to the fight, making it one of the biggest fights in the division’s history. Headlining UFC 331 in Los Angeles, California, fans were expecting a show, and they got one. An instant classic that will be a contender for fight of the year and could make a case for being in the UFC Hall of Fame. But on the night, Van was just too slick. An ever-improving 24-year-old champion is a scary prospect for most, but Alexandre Pantoja took the fight to him. A back-and-forth war, with both men having countless big moments throughout the 25-minutes they shared in the octagon.
Ultimately, Van came out on top, sending Pantoja back to the drawing board. Channeling his inner Rocky Balboa, Pantoja had this to say.
“I’ll tell you something you already know: The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a nasty, cruel place. And it doesn’t care how tough you are. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.”
“You, me, nobody hits as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.”
“Now if you know your worth, then go out and get what you deserve. But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And don’t point fingers and say you can’t because of him, her, or anybody. Cowards do that.”
Pantoja capped off his message to the fans with appreciation for those supporting him.
“Thank you all for your words and continued support.”