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Alexandre Pantoja, the reigning UFC flyweight champion, recently made headlines with his aspirations to face off against the legend Demetrious Johnson, whom he considers the greatest of all time in the flyweight division.
In a candid interview on The MMA Hour, Pantoja expressed his admiration for Johnson, stating,
"He’s the GOAT. How can I not say that? I think right now, I think [with] two title defenses, I can speak a little bit about that [fight] because I have huge respect for Demetrious Johnson."
Pantoja's dream of a showdown with Johnson stems from his impressive UFC career, including two successful title defenses against top contenders like Brandon Moreno and Steve Erceg. With six consecutive victories under his belt, Pantoja has solidified his status as a dominant force in the flyweight division.
However, the road to a potential matchup with Johnson is not without obstacles. Johnson currently holds the ONE Championship flyweight title and has been a dominant force in MMA for years. Despite this, Pantoja remains confident in his abilities, stating,
"It’s a pleasure, a dream for me, a fight with him."
The rivalry between Pantoja and Johnson goes back to their time on The Ultimate Fighter 24, where Pantoja aimed to earn a shot at Johnson's UFC title. Although their paths diverge after the show, the desire for a showdown lingers for Pantoja.
While the likelihood of the dream fight materializing remains uncertain due to contractual obligations and Johnson's career trajectory, Pantoja remains focused on his role as the UFC flyweight champion. With a division filled with formidable contenders, Pantoja looks forward to watching the division evolve while he takes a well-deserved break.
As the flyweight division gains momentum and excitement with rising stars like Erceg, Muhammad Mokaev, and Amir Albazi, Pantoja's reign as champion promises to bring thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments to UFC fans.
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