A. Pantoja is a Brazilian standout in the UFC flyweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Brazilian standout in flyweight (up to 56,7kg.), Alexandre pantoja has a tough commitment this Saturday (21). Tupiniquim representative in UFC Las Vegas 34, the combatant will share the octagon with the dangerous Brandon royval and does not hide his excitement about the duel. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the fighter analyzed his rival, promising a show in the confrontation that could bring him closer to a dream title fight.
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Willing to extend the good phase in the company, Pantoja is trying to achieve his second positive result in a row. The athlete comes from a victory over Manel kape and makes his second appearance of the season.
Weight commitment
Face to face with one of the most dangerous names in the category, Pantoja does not hide his excitement for the confrontation. Protagonist in the fight that has everything to be one of the best of the event, the fighter revealed how he felt when his fight against Royval was confirmed.
“It's a dream to compete with the best in the world, and I classify myself as one of them. Brandon royval He's a guy I respect a lot. He's very talented. The cartel doesn't say what a fighter he is. He has fought against big names. Without a shadow of a doubt, it will be a great spectacle. I even believe it could be the co-main fight, at least. I'm happy with this fight. Even though our category isn't talked about as much in the media, there are brilliant, tough fighters. Anyone could beat the current champion. I have a big challenge,” he said.
Opponent analysis
After praising Royval, Alexandre made a point of analyzing his opponent's technical side. The Brazilian then highlighted his rival's qualities on the main card of the event.
“He’s a long, left-handed fighter. He works very well with his back on the ground, which is very difficult in MMA. It's a fighting style that I like. Kicks well, takes knees for the game. I see myself as more mature than him, more solid for this fight. If I have any advantage, it's this experience. Our fighting style is very similar,” he defined.
Close to the belt?
A standout in the division for years, Pantoja knows that a great performance could put him on the radar for a challenge to the division champion. Despite welcoming a fight for the title, the Brazilian says he won't mind if he needs a new commitment first.
“I’m open to it (disputing for the belt). If I win and they give me another fight, I'm fine. I want to play my role, put on my show. I'll go step by step. My step now is on Saturday”, he assured.
Rematch with Deiveson
Current number three in the category led by Brandon Moreno, Pantoja still has an unresolved issue within the division, which does not involve a title fight. The athlete does not deny that he would like a new test against Deiveson Figueiredo, by whom he was defeated in 2019.
“I would really like to fight Deiveson. Would be very interesting. The whole public would like to see this fight again. I'm certainly not going to make the mistakes I made”, said Pantoja, who was beaten by the 'God of War' in the judges' decision.
Athletes' history
At 31, Alexandre pantoja is heading towards his 29th fight as a professional in MMA. Today, the fighter has 23 wins and five losses in the sport.
Number six in the category, Brandon royval is going to his 18th challenge in the sport. The athlete currently has 12 triumphs and five setbacks. In his last match, the American was surpassed by the current champion, Moreno, who, after winning, was chosen to face Deiveson for the title.
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