Alexandre Pantoja ranks Flyweight GOATs after UFC 310 victory
The UFC flyweight division has never been more competitive, and Alexandre Pantoja is proving himself as a dominant force. Following his thrilling submission win over Kai Asakura at UFC 310, Pantoja successfully defended his title for the third time. This milestone has reignited debates about his place among the greatest flyweights of all time (GOATs). While Pantoja’s sights are set on surpassing the legacy of Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, achieving GOAT status remains an uphill battle.
Pantoja’s Reign in a Global Flyweight Division
Pantoja’s victory against Asakura showcased his remarkable skill and determination. With three consecutive title defenses, he now trails only Demetrious Johnson in UFC flyweight history. But Pantoja believes his accomplishments are especially notable given the evolution of the division.
“The time when Demetrious Johnson fought, it’s not like that,” Pantoja explained during the UFC 310 post-fight press conference. He pointed to the diversity of his opponents—fighters from Mexico, Australia, the United States, and Japan—as evidence of the division’s heightened global competitiveness. “Tough times right now. It’s not like before.”
Pantoja’s dominance over top-ranked contenders, combined with his ability to adapt to a more competitive landscape, solidifies his standing as one of the sport’s elite.
The Legacy of Demetrious Johnson: Respect Meets Rivalry
Pantoja openly admires Demetrious Johnson, widely regarded as the flyweight division’s pioneer and all-time great. Johnson’s record of 11 consecutive title defenses is an iconic achievement in MMA history, and his influence remains a benchmark for GOAT discussions.
“All respect to Demetrious Johnson. I respect him, I love him, because he opened all the doors for us,” Pantoja said. Despite this, Pantoja’s competitive nature drives him to seek a fight with Johnson to directly challenge his legacy.
However, such a matchup seems unlikely. Johnson retired earlier this year after a successful stint with ONE Championship, and he has expressed no interest in returning to competition. Without this dream fight, Pantoja must solidify his claim to greatness through continued dominance and record-breaking performances.
Climbing the Flyweight GOAT Rankings
While a showdown with Johnson may not happen, Pantoja’s UFC 310 win further cemented his name in the UFC flyweight record books. With this victory, he now shares key accolades, including:
- Most wins in UFC flyweight history (tied with Johnson and Joseph Benavidez).
- Most finishes in divisional history (tied with Johnson and Deiveson Figueiredo).
These achievements bolster Pantoja’s case as one of the division’s all-time greats. When asked to rank the flyweight GOATs, Pantoja included himself alongside Johnson, Henry Cejudo, Figueiredo, and Brandon Moreno.
“Demetrious Johnson has multiple defenses,” Pantoja acknowledged. “Henry Cejudo, he’s an Olympic champ, flyweight champ, bantamweight champ, and then you have me.”
Pantoja’s confidence is well-earned, reflecting both his impressive stats and his ability to excel in a division brimming with world-class talent.
Pantoja’s Road to Flyweight Immortality
Alexandre Pantoja is not just defending his title—he’s building a legacy. While Demetrious Johnson’s shadow looms large, Pantoja is carving his own path by thriving in today’s highly competitive flyweight division. With every title defense and record-breaking performance, Pantoja inches closer to solidifying his status as the greatest flyweight of all time.
The journey to immortality in MMA history is far from over, but one thing is clear: Pantoja is determined to leave a lasting mark on the sport. Flyweight supremacy may just belong to him in the near future.
