UFC Legend Gets Flamed For Wanting Fight to Continue After Freak Accident

Inaugural UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz returns with a controversial take on Alexandre Pantoja's injury at UFC 323.

UFC Legend Gets Flamed For Wanting Fight to Continue After Freak Accident

Dominick Cruz criticizes Alexandre Pantoja for quitting at UFC 323 (via MMA Fighting, UFC)

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UFC 323 was expected to further cement Alexandre Pantoja’s standing as a champion in the flyweight division. The champion entered the event as one of the promotion’s most proven forces. However, the night also saw former UFC champion Dominick Cruz step into the spotlight with another round of controversial analysis. His remarks quickly became part of the broader discussion surrounding the fight.

Pantoja entered the bout as a dominant champion, aiming for his fifth consecutive title defense against Joshua Van. Early in the first round, he attempted a head kick that Van blocked before shooting for a takedown. As Pantoja fell, his arm twisted sharply on impact, resulting in an immediate and severe injury. The referee halted the fight as Pantoja clutched the damaged limb.

In the days leading up to the event, Pantoja endured a demanding weight cut documented on video. Footage showed him working through the final stages of the process with his young son present as support. The visual of his extreme depletion became a significant talking point after the injury. This buildup led directly into Cruz’s post-fight assessment of the situation.

I wish that Van vs Pantoja fight was aloud to keep going. It should be up to us as the fighter if we want to continue after that. We put the time in the training camp in that situation. People dislocate their arms and put it back in place and keep fighting all the time.

Dominick Cruz via X

Cruz, a former bantamweight champion, established a long legacy through technical skill and strategic movement. His career dominance often made his opinions central to MMA analysis. He is also known for taking that clash with conventional thinking, such as his belief that cauliflower ears provide added protection. These viewpoints routinely keep him at odds with segments of the MMA audience.

The event also drew comparisons to UFC 321, where heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall received criticism for being unable to continue after a double eye poke from Ciryl Gane. That bout ended as a no-contest and prompted debate about injury responses in high-stakes situations. Observers noted the parallels between the quick stoppages and the scrutiny directed at the fighters.

In the aftermath of UFC 323, the official ruling listed Alexandre Pantoja’s injury as a dislocated shoulder, even though footage showed his arm twisting unnaturally. The discrepancy added another angle to the debate surrounding the stoppage. Dominick Cruz’s history as a champion gave his assessment added weight. The division now awaits updates on Pantoja’s recovery and next steps.

Fans react to Dominick Cruz’s analysis of Alexandre Pantoja’s UFC 323 injury

Many fans reacted predictably to Dominick Cruz, noting that he often ends up in heated debates because of his bold takes on UFC events. His long history of strong, uncompromising opinions resurfaced once again. Viewers pointed out that Cruz frequently becomes a target whenever he challenges common viewpoints, and the UFC 323 fight only amplified that pattern.

Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van at UFC 323
Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van at UFC 323 (via X)

A large share of fans argued that the stoppage was justified because Pantoja clearly waved off the fight himself. They highlighted how he immediately grabbed his injured arm and signaled that he could not continue. For many, this ended the debate before it began. The visual evidence became the core of the fan pushback.

Others felt Cruz’s comments downplayed the seriousness of such injuries, which can affect fighters long term. Some fans argued that urging athletes to continue under those conditions was irresponsible. A portion of the community responded with jokes aimed at Cruz’s own fighting wear-and-tear. The overall reaction showed a divide between safety concerns and competitive expectations.

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