Tag: Alexandre Pantoja

Official – Alexandre Pantoja set to fight Steve Erceg in title clash at UFC 301 in Brazil on May 4

Alexandre Pantoja set to fight Steve Erceg in title clash at UFC 301 in Brazil on May 4Undisputed flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja is set for his return to the Octagon later this summer – on home…

Alexandre Pantoja set to fight Steve Erceg in title clash at UFC 301 in Brazil on May 4

Undisputed flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja is set for his return to the Octagon later this summer – on home soil in a title fight defense against current number ten ranked contende, Australia’s Steve Erceg at UFC 301 on May 4. in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from the Jeunesse Arena.

Pantoja, the current undisputed flyweight champion, most recently co-headlined UFC 296 back in December, successfully defending his title in a rematch win over recent UFC Mexico City headliner, Brandon Royval – in turn lodging his first successful title defense.

Pantoja title UFC 290

As for Erceg, the three-fight Octagon veteran appears to have earned his first crack at organizational gold off the back of a second round KO win over Matt Schnell earlier this month at UFC Vegas 87 – which also landed him a Performance of the Night bonus.

Alexandre Pantoja meets Steve Erceg at UFC 301

The promotion’s official UFC Brasil account confirmed the pairing of Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg for the May pay-per-view card in South America this Friday night.

Alexandre Pantoja UFC Sergei Belski USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2019; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Deiveson Figueriredo (blue gloves) and Alexandre Pantoja (red gloves) during UFC 240 at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

“Main fight confirmed,” the UFC Brasil account posted tonight, as translated by Google Translate. “The flyweight champion @PantojaMMA fights at home and defends his belt against Steve Erceg at #UFC301, in Rio de Janeiro.” 

Initially winning gold back in July of last year during International Fight Week, Pantoja turned in another career win over defending champion, Brandon Moreno, to land the championship in a split decision success. 

Steve Erceg

The victory came as part of an impressive current five fight winning run for Rio native, Pantoja, who previously landed wins over Alex Perez, the above-mentioned, Royval, and a decision success against the highly-touted, Manel Kape. 

12-1 as a professional, submission expert, Erceg landed in the Dana White-led promotion back in June of last year with a decision win over David Dvorak, before besting Alessandro Costa at UFC 295 in another judging win in Madison Square Garden in November last – prior to his knockout of Schnell earlier this month.

Who leaves Brazil with gold after UFC 301: Alexandre Pantoja or Steve Erceg?

Alexandre Pantoja believes a flyweight title fight against Muhammad Mokaev at UFC 301 ‘makes total sense’

Alexandre Pantoja and Muhammad MokaevReigning flyweight world champion Alexandre Pantoja doesn’t particularly care who he fights as long as he has the opportunity…

Alexandre Pantoja and Muhammad Mokaev

Reigning flyweight world champion Alexandre Pantoja doesn’t particularly care who he fights as long as he has the opportunity to defend his title at UFC 301 when the promotion returns to Rio de Janeiro.

With wins over Manel Kape, Brandon Royval, and Brandon Moreno over the last few years, it appears to be slim pickings at the top of the 125-pound division. However, this Saturday’s return to The APEX in Las Vegas could produce a viable title challenge for Pantoja.

Undefeated division standout Muhammad Mokaev will face another fallen foe from Pantoja’s past, Alex Silva. If ‘The Punisher’ can put together a dominant performance, it may be enough to move him up the ladder and into his first UFC title opportunity.

“There’s enough time, even though [Mokaev] cuts a lot of weight,” Pantoja said on MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast. “I know that because he trained here at American Top Team before and he’s really big for the division. I think it makes total sense if he wins. Moreno had the ball on his court [and lost], and now Mokaev has it. Let’s see what happens.”

The biggest obstacle, as referenced by Pantoja, would be the relatively short turnaround. UFC 301 is scheduled to take place on May 4, 2024, giving Mokaev eight weeks to recover, train, and cut weight. Doable, yes, but it would certainly put him in an unfavorable position for such a big moment.

Thus far, Muhammad Mokaev is 10-0 in his pro MMA career with his last five victories coming under the UFC banner. He has stayed fairly active, earning back-to-back third-round submission victories over Jafel Filho and Tim Elliott in 2023.

“He’s a very talented kid,” Pantoja said of Mokaev. “He’s very talented and likes to learn, but he follows a different line of thought that I do. He was raised in London, so he’s not a legitimate Russian, but he has that culture behind him.”

Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja to defend title on May 4 at UFC 301 in Rio — But against who?

Alexandre PantojaAlexandre Pantoja is gearing up to defend his flyweight title later this year when the UFC returns to Rio…

Alexandre Pantoja

Alexandre Pantoja is gearing up to defend his flyweight title later this year when the UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro. Against whom is of no consequence.

After besting Brandon Moreno for the 125-pound crown in July, ‘The Cannibal’ scored his first successful defense at UFC 296 last month with a decisive decision victory over Brandon Royval. Pantoja is now back in the gym preparing for his next title tilt which he expects to go down on May 4 when the UFC heads back to Brazil for what is expected to be UFC 301.

That comes according to Pantoja’s head coach, Marcos “Parrumpa” DaMatta of American Top Team, who recently told MMA Junkie that ‘The Cannibal’ is determined to defend the flyweight championship in his home country.

“He’s back training – he wants to defend his title in Rio in May,” DaMatta said. “That’s something that we’re really asking the UFC and his managers to make it happen, because it means a lot to him. It’s the first time that he’s going to fight in Rio de Janeiro. He even said that to me, ‘I’ve fought everywhere. I’ve fought in Korea. I’ve fought in the United States, Abu Dhabi, Europe – I’ve never said no to any fight, please just let me defend with my people.’”

There is no Clear-Cut Contender for Pantoja

Though Pantoja is more concerned with the location of his next title fight than the man challenging him, you can’t have one without the other. And when it comes to who is next in the flyweight division, there is no clear answer. A bout scheduled between Manel Kape and Matheus Nicolau earlier this month could have served as a potential title eliminator, but Kape failed to make weight resulting in the bout being scrapped.

No. 2 ranked contender Amir Albazi makes a lot of sense, but ‘The Prince’ was forced to withdraw from a fight with Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City on February 24 due to a neck injury. Albaziz was ultimately replaced by Brandon Royval.

If Brandon Moreno comes out on top against Royval, DaMatta believes we could see a fourth clash between him and Pantoja, though that would only give ‘The Assassin Baby’ two and a half months to prepare for a title fight overseas.

“We’re just hoping that we get there in Rio,” DaMatta said. “There’s a lot of tough guys in the division. Why do the fourth Moreno fight? Why do the third Royval fight? Even Kape. We already fought Kape. But I believe Kape has a little bit of problem making weight. He was a bit too big in between fights. Hopefully he gets his things together because he’s a very dangerous opponent, very tough opponent. There’s a lot names. Albazi is still in the picture. Hopefully he gets healthy soon. We’ll see.

“I truly believe if Moreno wins in Mexico City, UFC is going to try to push for the fourth Moreno fight. The only problem that I see is in between Feb. 24 and May 4, is exactly 10 weeks. The first and last week doesn’t count. He’s going to have eight weeks to prepare for a fight. Since he’s already preparing, hopefully he doesn’t get hurt or anything and we can make it happen in Brazil. I think he will say yes because he won the title in Brazil. He doesn’t have any problems going to Brazil and fighting a Brazilian. So let’s see.”

Per an interview with Flamengo, ‘The Cannibal’ confirmed that he will defend his title on May 4 in Rio. We know the when. Now we just need the who.

Alexandre Pantoja explains post fight comments about his father at UFC 290: ‘I just want the love of my dad’

alexandre pantojaNewly crowned UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja gives emotional insight to his post-fight comments about his relationship with his father. In a climate filled with forced speeches, cringey monologues and ignorant takes, Pantoja gave a raw and honest speech after beating Brandon Moreno for the 125lb championship this past weekend. Flooded with emotions, while talking […]

alexandre pantoja

Newly crowned UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja gives emotional insight to his post-fight comments about his relationship with his father.

In a climate filled with forced speeches, cringey monologues and ignorant takes, Pantoja gave a raw and honest speech after beating Brandon Moreno for the 125lb championship this past weekend. Flooded with emotions, while talking to Joe Rogan in the Octagon ‘The Cannibal’ revealed that he grew up without a dad, and looking into the camera asked ‘now Dad, are you proud of me Dad?.

The moment would make the rounds around the MMA world, tugging at many peoples heartstrings in what was an extremely vulnerable moment for someone who just engaged in back-and-forth war.

Alexandre Pantoja describes relationship with father

Appearing on The MMA Hour, Pantoja was asked about his post-fight comments, and would share some saddening background.  

My dad drank a lot, I saw a lot of fights with him and my mom,” said Pantoja.

“When my dad drinks too much he’s aggressive, I don’t remember having good times with my dad, you know… But I don’t want to crucify my daddy,” Pantoja continued. “I know he loves me and my brothers and I’m old now he gave the bets he could do, its not close to what I give my kids but he does the best he can. I’m not going to judge him. He left the house, he never helped my mom with me or my brothers, he never gave her money.”

Pantoja would explain that even after all he had been through, he still though about reaching out to his father during his moment of need.

“I just want the love of my dad,” Pantoja said. “I want to feel him and the week of the fight I thought about calling my daddy to try and take all over the scared [feelings].

“When the fight was over, I was thinking about him, I was thinking about all his moments he can’t enjoy with me, he can’t enjoy with his grandkids.”

After his phenomenal performance and honest following, the 33-year-old has undoubtedly gained a load of new fans.

Full clip of Alexandre Pantoja

What would you like to see Alexandre Pantoja do next?

Alexandre Pantoja outlasts Brandon Moreno in instant classic to capture flyweight title – UFC 290 Highlights

Brandon MorenoAlexandre Pantoja climbed to the top of the mountain at UFC 290, outlasting Brandon Moreno in a five-round war to capture the UFC flyweight world championship. Pantoja came out aggressively from the opening bell, but Moreno was able to close the distance and clinch to avoid any danger before letting Pantoja off the fence and […]

Brandon Moreno

Alexandre Pantoja climbed to the top of the mountain at UFC 290, outlasting Brandon Moreno in a five-round war to capture the UFC flyweight world championship.

Pantoja came out aggressively from the opening bell, but Moreno was able to close the distance and clinch to avoid any danger before letting Pantoja off the fence and recentering. Unfortunately, that would turn out to be a big mistake as Pantoja landed a big left hand that dropped Moreno. Pantoja jumped on the champ and unleashed a flurry of ground strikes, including a nasty elbow that busted Moreno open early.

Determined to get some respect back, Brandon Moreno came out and worked his jab while Pantoja continued to load up looking for the one-hitter-quitter. As a result, Pantoja began to tire, allowing Moreno to drive him to the ground and take his back mere minutes into the second round. Pantoja managed to get back to his feet but already appeared to be breathing heavily as Moreno continued to counter-strike through the end of the round.

With the bout likely tied 19-19, both men gave everything they had in the next two rounds, seamlessly switching from stand-up to ground fighting. Pantoja appeared to take the lead going into the fifth round, but there was simply no way to know for certain considering how close and competitive the fight was up to that point.

Going into the fifth and final round, Brandon Moreno was undoubtedly the fresher fighter, but Pantoja had absolutely no quit in him. With the flyweight world championship hanging in the balance, both fighters opted to stand and trade throughout the final five minutes, a decision that favored Moreno who appeared to be one step ahead in the striking.

Recognizing that Moreno was getting the best of him on the feet, Pantoja switched levels and scored a takedown, taking Moreno’s back in the process. With 90 seconds to go, Pantoja rode Moreno like a backpack and peppered the champ with strikes. Unable to break the body triangle, Moreno opted to wait out the final seconds, hoping he had done enough to come out ahead on the scorecards.

Official Result: Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Moreno via split decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47) to win the UFC flyweight world championship.

Check Out Highlights from Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290 Below:

Brandon Moreno betting favorite to avenge losses to Alexandre Pantoja, retain title at UFC 290

Brandon Moreno betting favorite over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290Undisputed flyweight championship holder, Brandon Moreno is closing as a betting favorite to not just successfully defend and retain his crown during International Fight Week at UFC 290 next month, but also avenge a pair of prior losses to Brazilian contender, Alexandre Pantoja. Moreno, the current undisputed flyweight champion, co-headlined UFC 283 in Brazil back […]

Brandon Moreno betting favorite over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290

Undisputed flyweight championship holder, Brandon Moreno is closing as a betting favorite to not just successfully defend and retain his crown during International Fight Week at UFC 290 next month, but also avenge a pair of prior losses to Brazilian contender, Alexandre Pantoja.

Moreno, the current undisputed flyweight champion, co-headlined UFC 283 in Brazil back in January of this year on enemy territory – successfully reclaiming his status as undisputed flyweight champion with a title unification win against Deiveson Figueiredo in Rio de Janeiro. 

As for Pantoja, the Brazilian title challenger has enjoyed a winning run spanning the course of three fights en route to the #2 rank in the official flyweight rankings under the banner of the UFC.

Last time out, the Rio de Janeiro native featured at UFC 277 in July of last year, submitting former title challenger, Alex Perez with a first round rear-naked choke submission win.

And holding an Ultimate Fighter exhibition win over Brandon Moreno, as well as a UFC triumph against the Baja Californian – Pantoja still, however, is closing as a sizeable +145 underdog to defeat the -170 betting favorite, Moreno at UFC 290 next month during International Fight Week. 

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Setting up an unprecedented fourth title fight with Figueiredo back in January of this year, Brandon Moreno also featured on that aforenoted UFC 277 card last summer akin to Pantoja – himself winning an interim flyweight title with a brutal body kick and strikes KO win over recent headliner, Kai Kara-France. 

First winning undisputed flyweight gold in 2021, Moreno became the first champion hailing from Mexico under the UFC banner, submitting Figueiredo with a rear-naked choke in Glendale, Arizona to a massive crowd reaction. 

However, ahead of his third combat sports outing with Pantoja next month, Brandon Moreno enters his first attempted title defense of his second undisputed reign with the prior knowledge of two prior defeats to the Brazilian.

First sharing the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter 24 back in 2016, Brandon Moreno was submitted with a second round rear-naked choke by Pantoja on the reality television show.

Rekindling their rivalry at UFC Fight Night Santiago in Chile back in May 2019, Brandon Moreno again found himself on the wrong side of the winning equation against the former, dropping a unanimous decision loss to the Brazilian challenger. 

Himself suffering losses to common-foes, Figueiredo, and Askar Askarov during his UFC tenure – as well as Dustin Ortiz, in between those losses, Pantoja has racked up wins over a who’s who of talent including the likes of Kara-France, Brandon Royval, Manel Kape, Matt Schnell, Neil Seery, and former title challenger, Wilson Reis. 

A renowned finisher boasting an impressive 25-5 professional record, Pantoja has secured a resounding 10 separate submission triumphs, as well as eight separate knockouts over the course of his professional mixed martial arts career. Pantoja was eliminated from TUF 24 at the semi-final bracket, losing out to Japanese favorite, Hiromasa Ougikubo in a decision defeat.