Creating history, Alexandre Pantoja, the UFC flyweight champion, successfully defended his title twice, a feat achieved only by Demetrious Johnson until now, with a significant win over Steve Erceg at UFC 301 within just 10 months of his title reign.
Pantoja now aims for a potential showdown with Johnson, admiring the former champion and expressing his eagerness to compete against him in the octagon.
In an interview on The MMA Hour, Pantoja lauded Johnson as the greatest of all time in the 125-pound category and voiced his dream of facing him. While acknowledging the challenge of measuring up to Johnson, Pantoja believes his recent accomplishments in the UFC add to his credibility.
Although Johnson might not be inclined towards a fight, Pantoja holds him in high regard and suggests the prospect of training together if a bout doesn’t materialize.
On a remarkable six-fight winning streak in the UFC, Pantoja has established himself as a top competitor in the flyweight division, defeating prominent opponents like Brandon Moreno, Brandon Royval, and Erceg, showcasing his champion skills.
Meanwhile, Johnson, the current ONE Championship flyweight titleholder, is widely acknowledged as one of the division’s all-time greats. Pantoja acknowledges Johnson’s achievements and legacy in the sport.
Despite contractual constraints making a Pantoja-Johnson matchup unlikely, Pantoja maintains confidence in his abilities and is open to the chance of confronting the former champion.
As the MMA landscape evolves, Pantoja speculates that Johnson might struggle to replicate his previous success in the division.
While recognizing Johnson’s feats, Pantoja remains optimistic about a potential bout, seeing it as a dream opportunity to challenge himself against the legendary fighter.
In response to Johnson’s remarks on Pantoja’s performance, the Brazilian fighter remains committed to his UFC journey and anticipates future challenges.
Both fighters share a history from their time on The Ultimate Fighter 24, adding an intriguing twist to a prospective matchup down the line.
Irrespective of the outcome, Pantoja is content as the current UFC flyweight champion and looks forward to a well-deserved break post a strenuous fighting schedule.
With a competitive division and exciting matchups on the horizon, Pantoja awaits the evolution of the flyweight division during his absence as he takes time off for rest and recovery.
