Brazil could gain a new double UFC champion. Alexandre pantoja, current holder of the flyweight belt (up to 56,7 kg), revealed his ambitious plans for the near future. In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS, the fighter announced his intention to move up a weight class to face Merab Dvalishvili, bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg).
“I’m looking for the fight in April. The UFC is going to be in Miami. I’ve lived in Florida for six years, it would be a great achievement to fight here. Let’s see if the UFC has a spot for me. I wanted them to fight in March, but I fought a month and a half ago. I hope it gets done, I’m excited. I hope it’s against Merab. It hasn’t been done yet, but I’ve signaled to the UFC that I’d like to fight at the event,” Pantoja said.
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The anticipation for the fight increases even more after the Brazilian closely followed Merab's victory over Umar Nurmagomedov No. UFC 311, held last Saturday (18). The possible superfight is starting to take shape, but, as the fighter himself made a point of emphasizing, the UFC is the one who defines the direction of the divisions. If the confrontation with the Georgian does not materialize, Pantoja revealed that there are other options on his radar, but did not rule out the possibility of continuing to defend his flyweight belt.
“There is the Brandon royval that is without a fight. The Brandon Moreno He is also without a fight. Who knows? The UFC is in charge. If the UFC thinks that Merab is the one who has to fight… it’s easy money. Win or lose, I’m a very real guy. It’s a 50% chance for everyone. It’s very difficult to have a draw. It would be a fight without much concern”, concluded the Brazilian.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Merab Dvalishvili?
Among the most likely opponents for Pantoja's next fight, the fight against Merab stands out not only for its importance, but also for the toughness of the Georgian's fighting style. However, the relationship between the two is not only marked by rivalry. Pantoja spoke about an exchange of words with Dvalishvili himself, during a relaxed moment in the gym.
“I was cutting weight, I asked him if he was okay and he said: 'I'm fine, I like cutting weight like this'. He also said to me: 'If you want to go up and fight for the belt, I'm in. You're a 1000-point guy. I like you, José Aldo'. I admire him a lot, a hard worker who came from the bottom. He did what had to be done to get to the position. Merab is totally different. A short guy, with a very good ground game. It would be a great challenge. I see that there is a chance there. Why not? ", recalled Pantoja.
Alexandre pantoja, who completed 13 victories in the flyweight division, equaled one of the greatest legends of the category, Demetrious Johnson, as the biggest winner in the history of the division. Since winning the belt, Pantoja has retained the title in great style, successfully defending it against Brandon Moreno, Brandon royval, Steve Erceg e Kai Asakura.