Alexandre Pantoja has hit back and defended his fellow flyweights, following Sean Strickland’s dismissive comments about lower weight classes.
Alexandre Pantoja headlines UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro this coming weekend, taking on Steve Erceg – who secured the title shot following an emphatic knockout win over Matt Schnell in March.
‘The Cannibal’ last defended his 125lb strap at UFC 296 in December, beating Brandon Royval for a second time.
This will mark the first time in his seven-year UFC tenure that he fights in his home city of Rio de Janeiro.
The UFC 301 main event continues to receive criticism
With this event being the first PPV since the incredible UFC 300 event, it has received a lot of criticism from the fanbase, who have claimed it is not a strong enough PPV card.
A large portion of the criticism comes from the unexpectedness of number 10-ranked, Steve Erceg, getting the flyweight title shot, over the likes of Muhammad Mokaev and Amir Albazi.
The main card only involves five ranked fighters, two of whom – Anthony Smith and Paul Craig – are coming off losses. Over the nine prelim fights, Karolina Kowalkiewicz is the only ranked fighter, currently sitting at rank 13 in the women’s strawweight division.
Alexandre Pantoja hits back at ‘crazy’ Sean Strickland
Former middleweight champion, Sean Strickland, has notoriously made derogatory remarks and comments regarding the women fighters and the lower weight classes.
Prior to his UFC 297 title fight against Dricus Du Plessis – in which he lost the title via a decision – Strickland made a targetted attack, “I’m not saying you can’t sit there and enjoy it, but I don’t want to see two f****** little cats fight, I want to see lions fight. I’m sure they’re great fighters. I didn’t say anything too offensive did I?”
Flyweight king, Pantoja, did take offense to Strickland’s comments and has since responded.
“All the flyweights in the world before the UFC worked so hard for this to happen.” Pantoja told ShakMMA on YouTube.
“Don’t say (that) that’s crazy that people say that. You want me to lose money and lose my job? That’s so crazy, why? I’m very mad when Sean Strickland said that about women and flyweight guys, shut your mouth and respect my job.” Pantoja added.
At one point not long ago, the UFC considered disbanding the 125lb division, but came to their senses and continued with it.
“I put food on my table with that, are you crazy? Every flyweight works so hard for that and that’s why we all respect each other. It’s hard when people say bad things about us because we work so hard, it’s a very hard division. We don’t get the credit because we’re flyweights but we’re dangerous guys with good skills.” Pantoja continued.
- INSIGHT: ‘Couldn’t stand her’… Former UFC commentator offers behind-the-scenes insight about Ronda Rousey