Alexandre Pantoja has achieved a lot in his mixed martial arts career, but meeting Brazilian icon, Zico, is a memory he’ll cherish forever.
Since becoming the UFC flyweight King, the gifted fighter has had an array of exciting opportunities.
Alexandre Pantoja graced the soccer field with Zico
On Saturday night, at UFC 310, Alexandre Pantoja will attempt to write the next chapter of his sensational story with a successful defense against Kai Asakura.
Having worked his entire life to become a champion, the warrior is enjoying all the rewards that come with it.
Earning the respect of one of the greatest sportsmen his country has ever produced, Pantoja got the chance to join former soccer star, Zico, on the pitch to talk all about ‘The beautiful game’.
And that’s not the only amazing situation the 125-pound King has found himself in.
Sheesh: ‘He hit like a truck’… Khabib Nurmagomedov confesses the UFC icon that punched the hardest
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, he enthused: “That’s super cool. Zico is a legend in Brazil and around the world. This champion treatment is wonderful for me.
“I love soccer, and I watch it a lot. I had an opportunity to go to a Brazil game in Las Vegas and go to the lockerroom to talk to the players and the coach.
“I go to Flamengo, my club in Brazil. They’re very popular in Brazil. I spoke to the players there, too. I love being in that position.
“I feel not just that, but I think I should live like a champion and show people why I’m champion of the world, with my actions.
“I have my kids here, and that’s a lot of responsibility. I want to be a great champion. That’s who I am.”
Alexandre Pantoja says how he intends to emulate Anderson Silva against Kai Asakura
While Pantoja is loving his run at the top of the mountain, he’s not getting carried away, knowing he needs to produce something big to overcome the challenge ahead of him.
Growing up, the BJJ black belt, loved watching Anderson Silva, sitting in awe as ‘The Spider’ rendered his opponents unconscious with his vicious array of strikes.
With that in mind, he’s explained exactly how he’s going to emulate the former middleweight champion on Saturday night.
WOW: Randy Couture says how being in the army put him on the path to becoming a UFC icon