Alexandre Pantoja had fight fans buzzing with his performance at UFC 310 and the bold post-fight promo he delivered.
In the main event, Pantoja secured a dominant win by putting Kai Asakura to sleep, successfully defending his flyweight title in the process. However, it was his unexpected callout of former UFC champion Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson that stole the spotlight.
At the post-fight press conference, "The Cannibal" explained his reasoning behind the challenge, emphasizing both respect and legacy.
I beat the No. 1, the No. 2 multiple times. The UFC brought me another guy, another champ from across the world, and I finished him. That is the fight that makes sense for me," Pantoja said. "The flyweight division is so different right now. Back when Demetrious Johnson fought, it was not like this. My last four fights were against a Mexican, Australian, American, and Japanese fighter. Times have changed. It’s so hard to keep this belt now.
He continued, reflecting on the challenge of maintaining his title in today’s competitive landscape.
Right now, fighters like me and [Islam] Makhachev have three title defenses. But these are tough times. It’s not like before. All my respect to Demetrious Johnson — I love him for opening the doors for us. But that’s the fight I want. If you ask me what I want for Christmas, that’s what I want.
Johnson, who retired from MMA this past September at ONE 168 after last competing in May 2023, took to X to respond to Pantoja’s challenge.
"Guys, I got offered $2 million to fight!! I turned it down. I don’t care to fight anymore," Johnson wrote.
The former champ’s response left fans speculating, especially since his retirement announcement came after a successful career capped by years of dominance. It is, however, believed that Johnson remains contractually tied to ONE Championship, where he fought after being traded from the UFC.
Despite "Mighty Mouse's" apparent disinterest, Pantoja believes the potential fight transcends money, focusing instead on legacy. The reigning flyweight champ wants to prove himself against a legend of the division, saying it’s about testing who the better fighter truly is.