UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has a new potential opponent for his next title defense after clearing out most of the top contenders in the division.
Alexandre Pantoja is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, as evidenced by his quick finish to the hyped Kai Asakura at UFC 310. Pantoja smothered Asakura in a rear-naked choke in the second round, sending the Japanese newcomer to sleep.
Pantoja, who has won seven fights in a row, is in a peculiar position at the top of the UFC flyweight division. He could potentially face either Brandon Moreno or Brandon Royval for rematches, or face a fresh challenge in defense of his title.
One of the primary reasons Asakura got a quick push to the title was Pantoja’s need for new competition and challenges. While Royval and Moreno both earned impressive wins to get back in the mix, runbacks with either contender might not be in the interest of Pantoja or the UFC matchmakers.
Pantoja’s callout of Demetrious Johnson signaled the champion’s need for fresh competition. Luckily for Pantoja, he can potentially avenge one of his earlier career losses after a former titleholder called him out in a recent interview.
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Deiveson Figueiredo teases flyweight return in response to Alexandre Pantoja’s title defense
Speaking with Brazilian MMA journalist Laerte Viana, former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo entertained the possibility of returning to the division he once reigned.
“Since [Pantoja] is looking for someone, I think I’m the best option. I’m available man,” Figueiredo said. “In my entire career in the UFC, I only missed weight once… If I have to make weight, I’ll go there and fulfill my commitment…
“And our first fight wasn’t easy for [Pantoja]. It was a three-round fight and I certainly won all three.”
Figueiredo defeated Pantoja at UFC 240 by unanimous decision, leaving the eventual titleholder a bloody mess. Figueiredo went on to win the then-vacant championship against Joseph Benavidez just three fights later.
Figueiredo moved up to bantamweight after a tetralogy loss to Moreno at UFC 283. After three straight wins to begin his bantamweight tenure, he lost to Petr Yan by unanimous decision at UFC Macau just weeks ago.
Pantoja, after defeating Asakura, teased an eventual move to bantamweight against the Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov winner. Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov will clash in the UFC 311 co-main event next month.
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Alexandre Pantoja could seek revenge against Deiveson Figueiredo
Figueiredo has defeated Marlon Vera, Cody Garbrandt, and Rob Font since moving up to 135lbs. 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 belt against Steve Erceg and Brandon Royval. He earned the belt by edging Moreno by split decision at UFC 290.
If Figueiredo is serious about a return to flyweight, he could potentially be granted an immediate title shot against Pantoja. As 2025 approaches, Figueiredo’s comments add a new element to the flyweight title discussion.