In an exclusive interview with us here at Stake.com , UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja previewed his title defence against one of Japan’s best Flyweights in Kai Asakura come December 7th on the UFC 310 card .
He talks about the evolution of the Flyweight division and how the likes of Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo paved the way for the likes of himself, Brandon Moreno, Deiveson Figueiredo and Kai Kara France to thrive in one of the most exciting weight classes in the UFC today.
Read on to discover everything Pantoja had to say before placing your picks on the upcoming UFC event . For more, check out our UFC 310 predictions from the experts here at Stake Sportsbook .
Dana White nearly shut down the Flyweight division in 2019. In your eyes, how did the Flyweight division become one of the most exciting in recent years?
‘’The flyweight division is the best it has ever been. The fighters before me such as Demetrious Johnson were the best fighters in the world for so many years, now Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno have done a great job in keeping the division alive. Henry Cejudo winning two belts in the Flyweight and Bantamweight division really showed the power of the Flyweight Division. Figueiredo also went to the bantamweight division and is putting on great fights.
Right now everyone can tell you 5-10 names in the Flyweight division. If you go back to 2019, you wouldn't be able to. Now everyone knows Brandon Moreno, Deiveson Figueiredo, Muhammad Mokaev (I know he will return), Kai Kara France and even my opponent Kai Asakura. We have hosted a couple main events this year as well. Royval's fight against Taira was an amazing fight. My fight with Steve Erceg in Rio was great as well. We are making great moments and it is the best time to be a Flyweight.’’
Would you follow in the footsteps of Henry Cejudo and possibly challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the Bantamweight title in the future?
‘’The only time I felt I could challenge for the Bantamweight belt was when Sean O'Malley was the champ, but no-one thinks about that guy right now. We do have a history because he beat me in the gym and posted the video and spoke a lot, and I want to prove that I can beat him in the Octagon.
Right now, I have a huge division to take care of. I have a lot of good names to fight - such as Kai Kara France and Brandon Moreno - who was great against Amir Albazi. In front of me, I am fighting Kai Asakura- who was the best in Japan and a champion in RIZIN. That is huge for me. UFC went and brought another champion from a different promotion and that's why the fans want to watch this fight. The UFC can do this because everybody wants to be the star in the UFC, that's how you prove you are the best in the world by becoming a champion here.’’
You have mentioned in previous interviews that you liked how the UFC crossed over with outer MMA talent such as Kai Asakura from Japan’s RIZIN. Are you open to fighting the likes of Rodtang from ONE Championship?
‘’The Rodtang fight would be a great fight. However, we have rankings for a reason. Currently we are already bringing another champion in Kai Asakura to the UFC to fight me. After that fight, I think it will be better for me to fight someone within the rankings and give them a title shot too. I know I have beaten everyone in the division already, and the guys I haven't beat have been beaten by the guys I beat. Right now I focus on UFC 310 with a great opponent in Kai Asakura.’’
Would you have liked the Demetrious Johnson fight before he retired?
‘’Demetrious Johnson was my dream fight. If I can choose one fight to have it would be him. It’s a different time now. I know he's not too old and can still fight high level guys. To fight me it would be a great opportunity for him to test himself against the best Flyweights of the world. I understand he has a good life in retirement and the Flyweight division is much bigger now. It's time for the new Flyweights to have that opportunity.’’
Both Brandon Royal and Brandon Moreno have secured victories since your last fights with them. Who in your eyes is more deserving of a title shot and why?
‘’This is a hard question. It was meant to be Brandon Royval who has just come off two victories. Then you have Brandon Moreno who is a big star and the former champion doing a great job with Amir Albazi. Kai Kara France is also up there but he only has one victory after two losses. Manel Kape lost to Muhammad Mokaev before he left the UFC. Maybe you have to bring back Demetrious Johnson and maybe the next will make sense.’’
Jon Jones was successful against Stipe Miocic two weeks ago and wants to challenge Alex Pereira. How do you think your fellow countryman will do against the heavyweight champion?
‘’This will be a great fight. Dana White doesn't want to make that fight because one of them will lose, but that's the fight to make. Jon Jones looked incredible against Stipe Miocic and Alex Pereira's last three fights have been amazing. He saved a couple of main events on short notice and did really well. Poatan is incredible and has this aura about him. I think Jon Jones has a 60-40 advantage over Pereira because of his long experience, his wrestling and his very good striking too.’’
Fellow countryman Charles Oliveira has just beaten Michael Chandler in his last outing. Do you think he becomes lightweight champion in a rematch against Islam Makhachev?
‘’Charles Oliveira had an easy job against Michael Chandler. Chandler and Islam Makhachev are two very different fighters. When Islam Makhachev steps into the Octagon, he is ready for war and is coming to kill or die. You can see it in his eyes. If Charles can have these eyes too, he can beat whoever he wants.’’
How does it feel to see your country thrive in MMA to this day?
‘’It's great to be a part of Brazil's greatest fighters. When you talk about Charles Oliveira, Minotauro Nogueira, Fabricio Werdum, Anderson Silva and Jose Aldo - you see that we are the country of the fighters. We know how to fight and have the mentality to absorb every war. We have the ability to absorb Muy Thai, Jiu Jitsu from Japan and now the opportunities I have in America to train wrestling against all the best in the world. I say to my fellow Brazilian fighters that you need to travel and find yourself and that is how you evolve.’’
