Response to Demetrious Johnson’s Retirement by UFC Champion Alexandre Pantoja

MMA120
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Alexandre Pantoja always wanted to fight Demetrious Johnson, a highly accomplished UFC champion. Now that Johnson has retired, Pantoja sees it as a chance to learn from the legacy he has left behind.

This upcoming Saturday, Pantoja will defend his UFC flyweight title against Kai Asakura at UFC 310. It will be the second time he headlines a pay-per-view event this year, taking on the former RIZIN bantamweight champion making his UFC debut.

While Pantoja is focused on his fight with Asakura, he also pondered the possibility of Johnson returning to the UFC in the future following his retirement.

“With his retirement, there’s a possibility the UFC could bring him back,” Pantoja told MMA Fighting. “That’s the only thing on my mind. I’m not sure how likely that is.

“But I have immense respect for him. He’s a legend, and I admire everything he has contributed to my division, to fighters like myself, and to the sport as a whole. He paved the way for us. I’m just trying to make a living as a professional fighter, and Demetrious was unmatched and undefeated for such a long time—that’s truly remarkable.”

Pantoja will be defending his title for the second time after winning it from Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 in July 2023. The 34-year-old has achieved six consecutive wins, including a decision victory over Steve Erceg in his first title defense at UFC 301 in May.

On his path to becoming the UFC champion, Pantoja has faced numerous top contenders in the flyweight division and hopes to have the opportunity to train with Johnson in the future.

“I simply wish to train with him,” Pantoja expressed. “I train with some of the best fighters globally and have the opportunity to fight top talent. If Demetrious Johnson decides to stay retired and isn’t competing anymore, maybe we could just train together. It’s something I would cherish for my development as a fighter.”



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