Alexandre Pantoja receives many compliments after UFC 317 – some more brave than others.
In the first of two title fights during Saturday's pay-per-view event in Las Vegas, Pantoja Kai Kara-France submitted to further improve his already illustrious legacy.
Pantoja has cemented herself as one of the greatest flying weights of all time with his reign, which has now passed four successful defenses in the two years that he has held the title.
Although that count of retention still remains behind that of Demetrious Johnson, some are already assigning Pantoja with the best tag ever about the retired legend.
Adriano Moraes brands Alexandre Pantoja 'Much better' than Demetrious Johnson
Johnson has long been admitted by many, in addition to Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva in the general UFC goat discussion.
With that in mind, the status of the American as the largest flight weight in history is largely unparalleled and without debate. 'Mighty Mouse' shattered several records about a six-year title line with 11 consecutive defenses-the most in UFC history.
But not everyone sees Johnson being alone on the 125-pound Mountaintop.
In fact, a man who shared the cage with him three times instead would give the crown on the head of his American top team Stablemate, Pantoja.
“Pantoja (IS) much better than DJ, change thoughts,” wrote Adriano Moraes on X.
Moraes, a former triple title holder of the championship, became memorable The first and only man who eliminated Johnson after he had connected to a brutal knee on TNT 1 in April 2021.
'Mighty Mouse' demanded his revenge and slept the Brazilian with its own knee in their rematch the following year. Johnson then won his trilogy fight against Moraes on American soil in May 2023.
Pantoja much better than DJ, change thoughts …
– Adriano Moraes (@adrianomkmoraes) 29 June 2025
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Alexandre Pantoja passed Demetrious Johnson to obtain a flight weight record on UFC 317
The newest victory of Pantoja insured him many praise, including the status as the longest reigning active male champion in the UFC.
But 'The Cannibal' also made division history, because his 14th success set a new record for most victories in the 125-pound weight class of the UFC.
Saturday's performance Pantoja pushed over Johnson in that race, with 'Mighty Mouse' who collected 13 flight weight victories in the Octagon before he would fight around the world in one championship.
The Brazilian is not threatened from the second place when it comes to holding the record as the winning flight weight. Johnson withdrew from MMA as someone's 135 pound champion in an emotional speech on one 168 in 2024.