Johnson during training. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Alexandre Pantoja may have reached a delicate point in his career, according to MMA legend Demetrious Johnson . The Brazilian suffered his second consecutive defeat to Joshua Van at UFC 331 , ending his long reign in the flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg). Given this scenario, the American believes Pantoja should consider retirement to avoid becoming a transitional opponent for new talents in the division.
In a video published on his YouTube channel, Demetrious Johnson assessed that Pantoja has no way out in the category, since he has already faced and beaten most of the top names available. For the former champion, the Brazilian would have few options for opponents besides the newcomers, a fact that, added to his history and advanced age, should push the Rio native towards retirement.
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“He’s in a sort of no-man’s land, since he’s beaten everyone. The only guys he can face now are the rookies. He’s not going to fight Kyoji Horiguchi because they’re teammates. You don’t want to ruin the trajectory of a rising rookie, because Pantoja is 36 years old. That’s when my most sincere side says: ‘Dude, retire at your peak. You don’t need to take any more hits. You don’t need to suffer any more concussions. You’ve done your job’,” said Demetrious Johnson.
Alexandre Pantoja suffers another defeat to Joshua Van
In December, Pantoja suffered an arm injury just 26 seconds into the fight, losing both the bout and the title. Since there was no rematch, the Brazilian was confident he would get revenge on Van in the rematch, but that didn't happen. Increasingly comfortable as flyweight champion, the Burmese proved his worth and defended his title for the second time.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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