The UFC’s flyweight division didn’t move the needle much for a long time, with Demetrious Johnson as the champion. That changed when Henry Cejudo upset Johnson. Afterward, the rivalry between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno added excitement to the division. It has now been the Alexandre Pantoja show, and the Brazilian has already defended the title twice.
However, a certain flyweight competing at UFC 304 will be looking to dethrone ‘The Cannibal.’ The fighter in question is the Dagestan-born British resident Muhammad Mokaev. Speaking to Kaz Crossley of Title Sports Network, ‘The Young Punisher’ was full of confidence when he recounted a past training session with Pantoja. “I’ve trained with Pantoja. He knows I’m the real deal. I don’t care what he says I was in his gym. I was on his back in his gym,” Mokaev said.
Pantoja’s last fight was at UFC 302 against Steve Erceg, who leapfrogged Mokaev to get the title shot. Per the Dagestani-Brit, he is the most deserving title challenger as he has an undefeated record in MMA, 6 in the UFC, of which 4 are finishes. He proved it with the recent fighting stats of the other flyweight contenders.
Erceg got the title shot even though he only had three fights in the UFC. Kai Kara-France, a former interim title challenger, is on a two-fight losing streak. Amir Albazi only has one victory over a top-10 opponent. Manel Kape, Mokaev’s upcoming opponent, doesn’t have a ranked victory and has issues with weight cutting. Brandon Royval has already lost twice to the champion.
Pantoja Seeks International Challenges After Movie Influence
Alexandre Pantoja’s past three opponents have been Steve Erceg, an Australian; Brandon Royval, an American; and Brandon Moreno, a Mexican. Pantoja is open to taking on any challenge worldwide. In an interview, he revealed the reason why he has that mentality.
“I watch a lot of old movies with Jean Claude Van Damme. In one of the movies, he’s fighting in the Kumite and fights with all the guys from all around the world. That’s what I try to do, you know? Fight all across the world—Japanese, Australians, Mexicans, Europeans. I’m here, you know?” Pantoja sad to ESPN MMA’s Carlos Contreras Legaspi.
As for his next opponent, there are many. Kai Asakura, who recently signed with the UFC from Rizin, is an option. Tastsuro Taira, who recently defeated Alex Perez, a former title challenger, is another. However, the winner of Manel Kape vs. Muhammad Mokaev seems to have the best chance.
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Also Read “Devastated” Steve Erceg Reflects on His UFC 301 Loss to Alexandre Pantoja
