Becoming a champion in two UFC divisions? Don`t count on it if you`re thinking about Alexandre Pantoja.
While UFC 317 features Ilia Topuria aiming for a second belt against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title, Pantoja will be defending his flyweight championship for the fourth consecutive time against Kai Kara-France on the same card.
Should Pantoja successfully defend his title again, speculation about him moving to 135 pounds to challenge Merab Dvalishvili is likely to resurface. However, Pantoja`s focus remains squarely on the talented roster within the flyweight division.
“I`m incredibly excited about this division,” Pantoja stated during the UFC 317 media day. Addressing the calls to move up, he declared, “No way, man. We have so many exciting fights right here.” He highlighted emerging contenders like Joshua Van, calling his rise “super crazy” and suggesting he could be next in line if he defeats Brandon Royval. Pantoja also mentioned established names like Kyoji Horiguchi and Manel Kape.
Pantoja expressed sympathy for Manel Kape`s misfortune in repeatedly coming close to a title shot. “I feel bad for Manel Kape, all the times he`s close to the belt, something happens,” he said. “I know he`s a very good fighter… I hope to fight with him in the future because he`s good. I want to fight with the best guys in the world, that`s what I like.”
It`s understandable why fans might wish to see Pantoja explore new challenges in a different division.
The 35-year-old Brazilian champion has already defeated the top fighters in the flyweight class, including multiple wins against Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval. His upcoming bout with Kara-France is also a familiar matchup, as Pantoja previously defeated him in an exhibition on The Ultimate Fighter.
Despite a period where fresh challengers seemed scarce (leading to RIZIN`s Kai Asakura receiving an immediate title shot in his UFC debut), Pantoja maintains a positive outlook on the division`s depth. He believes that any fighter is just one or two standout performances away from earning a championship opportunity.
“Last year, 2024, I think is the best year for flyweights and people start to appreciate much more that division,” Pantoja commented. “Now you can say 10 names, 50 names from the flyweight division, and that`s so nice. I`m the champ of that and I can appreciate all that.” He appreciates the fighters calling him out, seeing it as providing hope throughout the ranks. He noted having fought many top contenders already, including Steve Erceg and Asakura, and looks forward to future matchups with fighters like Kai Kara-France, Joshua Van, and Kyoji Horiguchi.
Nonetheless, Pantoja made it clear that he would accept a fight against Merab Dvalishvili if the opportunity arose. Both fighters are recognized among the sport`s elite pound-for-pound.
Pantoja mused that if they were to fight someday, perhaps a special prize could be on the line instead of one of their undisputed titles.
“Maybe create a ‘BMF’ for light guys, I don’t know,” he playfully suggested. Pantoja holds immense respect for Dvalishvili, referring to him as a “warrior” and pointing to his victory over Sean O`Malley as proof of his toughness and skill. “It doesn`t matter,” Pantoja said regarding O`Malley`s comments about changing habits to fight Dvalishvili. “Merab is a warrior… I think never O’Malley can beat Merab… he submitted him.” While respecting Dvalishvili and willing to accept the fight, Pantoja reiterated, “it`s not something I really look for. I have my division, I’m super excited with that division.”
When asked about a potential matchup with Dvalishvili, Pantoja mentioned the need to gain weight for the bantamweight division. However, he expressed confidence in his grappling skills against Dvalishvili`s relentless style and believes his training partners at American Top Team in Florida are well-equipped to prepare him for such a formidable challenge.
“I`m learning a lot from my losses and then that makes me a better fighter,” Pantoja stated. “I think if Merab try to maybe take me down I can use that, I can use my grappling. I have very good jiu-jitsu.” He highlighted having excellent bantamweight training partners at American Top Team. “But, of course, to go to 135, I need to get more pounds and everything. I don’t look for that right now.” His priority remains defending his flyweight title, a division he finds incredibly engaging due to its exciting fights, high pace, and the requirement for fighters to be skilled in all areas – striking and grappling. “I love to fight in the flyweight division,” he concluded.
