Tag: Alexandre Pantoja

Alexandre Pantoja Picks Most Likely Choice For His Next Fight Following Demetrious Johnson’s Rejection

UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja is devoid of fresh options heading into 2025, and so he’s pointed to which potential rematch makes the “most sense” for his next fight. Pantoja continued his reign of the 125-pound weight class at last weekend’s UFC 310 pay-per-view, which he headlined in defense of his throne opposite promotional newcomer […]

UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja is devoid of fresh options heading into 2025, and so he’s pointed to which potential rematch makes the “most sense” for his next fight.

Pantoja continued his reign of the 125-pound weight class at last weekend’s UFC 310 pay-per-view, which he headlined in defense of his throne opposite promotional newcomer Kai Asakura.

The former Rizin champ became the latest to fail in their bid to unseat “The Cannibal,” succumbing to a submission in round two to join Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg on Pantoja’s list of victims since he captured the crown in mid-2023.

With that, the Brazilian has beaten most of the top names inside the flyweight top 15, creating some uncertainty over who he could put the gold on the line against in 2025. That led to an ambitious callout of the retired Demetrious Johnson at T-Mobile Arena, which was quickly dismissed by “Mighty Mouse.”

During an appearance on Wednesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Pantoja assessed the realistic options he has next year.

When presented with three — a rematch with Kai Kara-France, a second dance with current bantamweight Deiveson Figueiredo, or a first-time clash with a re-signed Muhammad Mokaev — “The Cannibal” pointed to which he sees as the most likely.

“Yeah, (I’m interested in Kara-France). I think for now, that’s the fight that makes sense,” Pantoja said. “In the last three fights, he lost twice. But for now, after what I did in my division, everything doesn’t make sense anymore. I fight with the number one, number two, top 10, then you bring someone else. I think everybody has a chance right now.

“Kara-France is a very exciting fighter. That’s someone who is going to bring me to another level,” Pantoja continued. “Kai Kara-France is the only one in my division. Mokaev is not on the UFC roster right now…and Figueiredo’s coming off one loss. Everything can happen, nothing makes sense right now. But I think I am ready for the UFC to give me Kai Kara-France. This fight maybe can make good numbers and big pay-per-view…but I’m not going to Australia.”

Pantoja and Kara-France met way back in 2016 on season 24 of The Ultimate Fighter. The Brazilian defeated the New Zealander in the quarterfinal by way of unanimous decision.

While “The Cannibal” has since risen to the top, “Don’t Blink” fell short in his sole shot at UFC gold thus far opposite Brandon Moreno in 2022. Kara-France has gone 1-1 post-title fight, most recently knocking out Erceg in memorable fashion at UFC 305 this past August in what marked his first fight in 14 months.

Whether or not that result was enough to net him an opportunity at Pantoja remains to be seen. For now, the champ will no doubt still be celebrating his latest triumph and enjoying a break before resuming his divisional rule in the new year.

Deiveson Figueiredo Down For Flyweight Return To Challenge Alexandre Pantoja: ‘I’m The Best Option’

It seems UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja may not be devoid of exciting options for his next fight after all. Pantoja further cemented his grip on the crown at 125 pounds this past weekend when he headlined the UFC 310 pay-per-view inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. “The Cannibal” closed out the final numbered event of […]

It seems UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja may not be devoid of exciting options for his next fight after all.

Pantoja further cemented his grip on the crown at 125 pounds this past weekend when he headlined the UFC 310 pay-per-view inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

“The Cannibal” closed out the final numbered event of 2024 in style, submitting UFC newcomer Kai Asakura in round two with a rear-naked choke. The victory over the ex-Rizin champion, who was left unconscious by the fight-ending sequence, marked Pantoja’s third successful defense.

With that, the Brazilian has defeated many of the notable names toward the top of the division, leaving him somewhat short of fresh and intriguing options.

There might be one rematch, however, that gets the champ’s fire lit…

During a recent interview with Brazilian reporter Laerte Viana, former two-time flyweight champ and current top-10 bantamweight contender Deiveson Figueiredo threw his name in the hat to be Pantoja’s next challenger.

While “The Cannibal” already boasts victories over many vying for a shot in the flyweight rankings, he lost his 2019 contest with “Deus da Guerra” on the scorecards. And feeling that things were comfortable back then, Figueiredo likes his chances of repeating the feat in a championship scenario.

“Since Pantoja is looking for someone, I think I’m the best option,” Figueiredo said in Portuguese (translated by @Home_of_Fight). “I’m available, man. In my entire career in the UFC, I only missed weight once. If I have to make weight, I’ll go there and fulfill my commitment. And our first fight wasn’t easy for Pantoja. It was a three-round fight and I certainly won all three.”

Figueiredo departed the weight class following the end of his second reign on the flyweight throne at the hands of Brandon Moreno early last year. He began life at the more comfortable weight of 135 pounds in strong fashion, dominating Rob Font and submitting Cody Garbrandt.

But while that put the Brazilian on the cusp of an opportunity to achieve two-division glory, his push for a shot at Merab Dvalishvili’s belt was stalled last month in Macau, where he was comfortably beaten across five rounds by Petr Yan.

Deiveson Figueiredo Down For Flyweight Return To Challenge Alexandre Pantoja: ‘I’m The Best Option’

It seems UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja may not be devoid of exciting options for his next fight after all. Pantoja further cemented his grip on the crown at 125 pounds this past weekend when he headlined the UFC 310 pay-per-view inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. “The Cannibal” closed out the final numbered event of […]

It seems UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja may not be devoid of exciting options for his next fight after all.

Pantoja further cemented his grip on the crown at 125 pounds this past weekend when he headlined the UFC 310 pay-per-view inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

“The Cannibal” closed out the final numbered event of 2024 in style, submitting UFC newcomer Kai Asakura in round two with a rear-naked choke. The victory over the ex-Rizin champion, who was left unconscious by the fight-ending sequence, marked Pantoja’s third successful defense.

With that, the Brazilian has defeated many of the notable names toward the top of the division, leaving him somewhat short of fresh and intriguing options.

There might be one rematch, however, that gets the champ’s fire lit…

During a recent interview with Brazilian reporter Laerte Viana, former two-time flyweight champ and current top-10 bantamweight contender Deiveson Figueiredo threw his name in the hat to be Pantoja’s next challenger.

While “The Cannibal” already boasts victories over many vying for a shot in the flyweight rankings, he lost his 2019 contest with “Deus da Guerra” on the scorecards. And feeling that things were comfortable back then, Figueiredo likes his chances of repeating the feat in a championship scenario.

“Since Pantoja is looking for someone, I think I’m the best option,” Figueiredo said in Portuguese (translated by @Home_of_Fight). “I’m available, man. In my entire career in the UFC, I only missed weight once. If I have to make weight, I’ll go there and fulfill my commitment. And our first fight wasn’t easy for Pantoja. It was a three-round fight and I certainly won all three.”

Figueiredo departed the weight class following the end of his second reign on the flyweight throne at the hands of Brandon Moreno early last year. He began life at the more comfortable weight of 135 pounds in strong fashion, dominating Rob Font and submitting Cody Garbrandt.

But while that put the Brazilian on the cusp of an opportunity to achieve two-division glory, his push for a shot at Merab Dvalishvili’s belt was stalled last month in Macau, where he was comfortably beaten across five rounds by Petr Yan.

UFC Rankings Report: Kai Asakura Debuts In Flyweight Top 15 After UFC 310 Loss

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away. And in the aftermath of UFC 310, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings. Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Alexandre Pantoja emerged victorious from Saturday’s main event, choking out newcomer Kai Asakura […]

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away.

And in the aftermath of UFC 310, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Alexandre Pantoja emerged victorious from Saturday’s main event, choking out newcomer Kai Asakura to stay flyweight kingpin. As a result, the Brazilian has received a boost up the P4P ladder, now sharing the #9 spot with Leon Edwards. Pantoja’s two-place rise has seen Alexander Volkanovski slip the same distance back to #11.

Women’s Pound-for-Pound: TBC

Women’s Strawweight: TBC

Women’s Flyweight: TBC

Women’s Bantamweight: TBC

Flyweight: While unsuccessful in capturing gold on his debut, Asakura has still joined the ranks of contenders with numbers next to their names at 125 pounds. The Japanese star has arrived at #14, with UFC 310 victor Joshua Van also entering at #15. Those debuts have led to Cody Durden, Van’s defeated opponent, and Matt Schnell exiting the UFC rankings.

Bantamweight: TBC

Featherweight: Movsar Evloev kept his undefeated record intact on the UF 310 preliminary card, getting past former bantamweight kingpin Aljamain Sterling in a competitive grappling affair. The Russian has now climbed one spot to #4 in the division, demoting Yair Rodríguez to #5.

Lightweight: TBC

Welterweight: Shavkat Rakhmonov was among the biggest winners in Las Vegas on Saturday night, as he fought through a torn MCL to outpoint former training partner Ian Garry in the co-main event. The triumph has elevated him above Kamaru Usman to #2 in the UFC rankings ahead of an expected title shot in 2025. The Irishman, meanwhile, has stayed put at #7.

Middleweight: TBC

Light Heavyweight: The resurgence of Dominick Reyes continued at UFC 310, where he dominantly put away fellow former title challenger Anthony Smith by way of TKO. “The Devastator” is now up one position to #11, leaving Azamat Murzakanov a place worse off at #11. “Lionheart,” meanwhile, has continued to slip down the pecking order. He;’s now been passed by Bogdan Guskov (#13) and occupies the #14 spot.

Heavyweight: TBC

You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

UFC Rankings Report: Kai Asakura Debuts In Flyweight Top 15 After UFC 310 Loss

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away. And in the aftermath of UFC 310, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings. Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Alexandre Pantoja emerged victorious from Saturday’s main event, choking out newcomer Kai Asakura […]

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away.

And in the aftermath of UFC 310, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Alexandre Pantoja emerged victorious from Saturday’s main event, choking out newcomer Kai Asakura to stay flyweight kingpin. As a result, the Brazilian has received a boost up the P4P ladder, now sharing the #9 spot with Leon Edwards. Pantoja’s two-place rise has seen Alexander Volkanovski slip the same distance back to #11.

Women’s Pound-for-Pound: TBC

Women’s Strawweight: TBC

Women’s Flyweight: TBC

Women’s Bantamweight: TBC

Flyweight: While unsuccessful in capturing gold on his debut, Asakura has still joined the ranks of contenders with numbers next to their names at 125 pounds. The Japanese star has arrived at #14, with UFC 310 victor Joshua Van also entering at #15. Those debuts have led to Cody Durden, Van’s defeated opponent, and Matt Schnell exiting the UFC rankings.

Bantamweight: TBC

Featherweight: Movsar Evloev kept his undefeated record intact on the UF 310 preliminary card, getting past former bantamweight kingpin Aljamain Sterling in a competitive grappling affair. The Russian has now climbed one spot to #4 in the division, demoting Yair Rodríguez to #5.

Lightweight: TBC

Welterweight: Shavkat Rakhmonov was among the biggest winners in Las Vegas on Saturday night, as he fought through a torn MCL to outpoint former training partner Ian Garry in the co-main event. The triumph has elevated him above Kamaru Usman to #2 in the UFC rankings ahead of an expected title shot in 2025. The Irishman, meanwhile, has stayed put at #7.

Middleweight: TBC

Light Heavyweight: The resurgence of Dominick Reyes continued at UFC 310, where he dominantly put away fellow former title challenger Anthony Smith by way of TKO. “The Devastator” is now up one position to #11, leaving Azamat Murzakanov a place worse off at #11. “Lionheart,” meanwhile, has continued to slip down the pecking order. He;’s now been passed by Bogdan Guskov (#13) and occupies the #14 spot.

Heavyweight: TBC

You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

UFC Rankings Report: Kai Asakura Debuts In Flyweight Top 15 After UFC 310 Loss

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away. And in the aftermath of UFC 310, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings. Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Alexandre Pantoja emerged victorious from Saturday’s main event, choking out newcomer Kai Asakura […]

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away.

And in the aftermath of UFC 310, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Alexandre Pantoja emerged victorious from Saturday’s main event, choking out newcomer Kai Asakura to stay flyweight kingpin. As a result, the Brazilian has received a boost up the P4P ladder, now sharing the #9 spot with Leon Edwards. Pantoja’s two-place rise has seen Alexander Volkanovski slip the same distance back to #11.

Women’s Pound-for-Pound: TBC

Women’s Strawweight: TBC

Women’s Flyweight: TBC

Women’s Bantamweight: TBC

Flyweight: While unsuccessful in capturing gold on his debut, Asakura has still joined the ranks of contenders with numbers next to their names at 125 pounds. The Japanese star has arrived at #14, with UFC 310 victor Joshua Van also entering at #15. Those debuts have led to Cody Durden, Van’s defeated opponent, and Matt Schnell exiting the UFC rankings.

Bantamweight: TBC

Featherweight: Movsar Evloev kept his undefeated record intact on the UF 310 preliminary card, getting past former bantamweight kingpin Aljamain Sterling in a competitive grappling affair. The Russian has now climbed one spot to #4 in the division, demoting Yair Rodríguez to #5.

Lightweight: TBC

Welterweight: Shavkat Rakhmonov was among the biggest winners in Las Vegas on Saturday night, as he fought through a torn MCL to outpoint former training partner Ian Garry in the co-main event. The triumph has elevated him above Kamaru Usman to #2 in the UFC rankings ahead of an expected title shot in 2025. The Irishman, meanwhile, has stayed put at #7.

Middleweight: TBC

Light Heavyweight: The resurgence of Dominick Reyes continued at UFC 310, where he dominantly put away fellow former title challenger Anthony Smith by way of TKO. “The Devastator” is now up one position to #11, leaving Azamat Murzakanov a place worse off at #11. “Lionheart,” meanwhile, has continued to slip down the pecking order. He;’s now been passed by Bogdan Guskov (#13) and occupies the #14 spot.

Heavyweight: TBC

You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.