UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has a new potential opponent for his next title defense after knocking out most of the top contenders in the division.
Alexandre Pantoja is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, as evidenced by his quick finish over the hyped Kai Asakura at UFC 310. Pantoja choked Asakura in a rear naked choke in the second round, putting the Japanese newcomer to sleep .
Pantoja, who has won seven straight fights, is in a special position at the top of the UFC flyweight division. He could potentially face Brandon Moreno or Brandon Royval for rematches, or take on a new challenge in defense of his title.
One of the main reasons why Asakura quickly captured the title was Pantoja's need for new competition and challenges. While Royval and Moreno both picked up impressive wins to get back into the mix, running backs with either contender may not be in the best interests of Pantoja or the UFC matchmakers.
Pantoja's call-up against Demetrious Johnson indicated the champion was in need of new competition. Fortunately for Pantoja, he may be able to avenge one of his earlier career losses after a former defending champion called him out in a recent interview.
Deiveson Figueiredo teases flyweight's return in response to Alexandre Pantoja's title defense
Speaking to Brazilian MMA journalist Laerte Viana, former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo considered the possibility of returning to the division he once ruled.
“Since [Pantoja] someone, I think I'm the best option. I'm available man,” Figueiredo said. “In my entire career in the UFC, I've only missed weight once… If I have to make weight, I'm going to go there and keep my promise…
“And our first fight wasn't easy [Pantoja]. It was a three-round fight and I definitely won all three.
Figueiredo defeated Pantoja at UFC 240 by unanimous decision, leaving the eventual defending champion a bloody mess. Figueiredo won the then-vacant championship against Joseph Benavidez just three fights later.
Figueiredo moved up to bantamweight after a tetralogical loss to Moreno at UFC 283. After three straight wins to start his bantamweight tenure, he lost by unanimous decision to Petr Yan at UFC Macau several weeks ago.
After beating Asakura, Pantoja teased a possible move to bantamweight against the winner of Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov will compete in the UFC 311 co-main event next month.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Alexandre Pantoja could get revenge on Deiveson Figueiredo
Figueiredo has defeated Marlon Vera, Cody Garbrandt and Rob Font since moving up to 135 pounds. Despite the loss to Yan, he remains an intriguing part of the mix, especially after Dvalishvili's recent endorsement for a title shot.
Before successfully defending the flyweight title against Asakura, Pantoja defended the title against Steve Erceg and Brandon Royval. He earned the title by defeating Moreno via split decision at UFC 290.
If Figueiredo is serious about a return to flyweight, he could potentially get an immediate title shot against Pantoja. As 2025 approaches, Figueiredo's comments add a new element to the flyweight title discussion.
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