Alexandre Pantoja delivered one of the best performances of his career at UFC 310, defeating Japanese fighter Kai Asakura via submission. The fight was thrilling, leaving fans eager to see who the Brazilian would call out next. However, Pantoja surprised everyone by calling out the retired Demetrious Johnson, who quickly denied a comeback through a social media post.
Pantoja was eager to face the former UFC flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson. However, Johnson responded by posting a YouTube video in which he revealed he turned down a $2 million fight offer. After being rejected by “Mighty Mouse,” Pantoja now hopes to train with him. In a recent interview with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, the Brazilian fighter shared that it has always been his dream to train with Johnson, whom he considers the best in the world.
“I just need to train with him…that dream I have in my life, fight with the best fighters in the world. Demetrious Johnson he is the best one. Maybe I’ll text him and we can train together.”
🤝👊Alexandre Pantoja reveals he's eager to train with Demetrious Johnson after Mighty Mouse confirmed he's staying retired:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 11, 2024
“I just need to train with him…that dream I have in my life, fight with the best fighters in the world.
Demetrious Johnson he is the best one…
Maybe… pic.twitter.com/WOmBq28fy0
As of now, Johnson has not responded to Pantoja’s request to train together. Meanwhile, with a lack of challengers in the flyweight division, Deiveson Figueiredo has expressed his willingness to drop back down to flyweight and face Pantoja for the title.
Deiveson Figueiredo Ready to Return to Flyweight for Title Fight Against Alexandre Pantoja
Deiveson Figueiredo, a two-time former flyweight champion, now competes in the bantamweight division. After UFC 310, he noticed a lack of contenders for the flyweight title. Because of this, Figueiredo wants to return to the flyweight division. In a recent conversation with Laerte Viana, Figueiredo said:
“Since [Pantoja] is looking for someone, I think I’m the best option. 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.”
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🚨 Deiveson Figueiredo says he's willing to go back down to flyweight and fight Alexandre Pantoja for the belt 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 11, 2024
"Since [Pantoja] is looking for someone, I think I'm the best option. I'm available man…
In my entire career in the UFC, I only missed weight once… If I have… pic.twitter.com/SUJW8gJH2l
The two fighters previously faced off at UFC 240, where Figueiredo defeated Pantoja by decision. However, the flyweight champion has not yet commented on Figueiredo’s recent callout. Fans will have to wait a bit longer to find out who Pantoja’s next opponent will be.
Also Read: How Much Did Alexandre Pantoja Earn For Beating Kai Asakura At UFC 310?
