Alexandre Pantoja would’ve cherished the chance to problem himself in opposition to Demetrious Johnson, however now that the one of the crucial completed champions in UFC historical past known as it a profession, Pantoja hopes to have the ability to take away some information and talent.
Pantoja defends the UFC flyweight title in opposition to Kai Asakura this Saturday at UFC 310. Pantoja headlines his second pay-per-view card of the 12 months, this time in opposition to the previous RIZIN bantamweight champ and promotional newcomer.
Whereas he’s targeted on Asakura, Pantoja couldn’t assist however marvel if Johnson’s retirement announcement might result in the UFC choosing “Mighty Mouse” again up sooner or later.
“Now he retired, and now UFC can contract him once more,” Pantoja advised MMA Preventing. “The one factor I can take into consideration is that. I don’t know if they’ll do this.
“However in fact, large respect for him. He’s a GOAT and I respect every part he did for my division, for me, for the entire guys. We wanted respect as a result of I must pay my payments. I’m a fighter, I’m an expert. That’s my job. And Demetrious Johnson opened area for us. [He was] unstoppable, undefeated [for so long], that’s loopy.”
Pantoja places his title on the road for the second time after successful the belt at UFC 290 in opposition to Brandon Moreno in July 2023. The 34-year-old has gained six straight, together with defeating Steve Erceg by way of determination at UFC 301 in Could in his first title protection.
Having fought a variety of the highest flyweight contenders on the street to successful his first UFC title, Pantoja hopes to have the ability to prepare with Johnson sooner or later.
“I simply need to prepare with him,” Pantoja stated. “I prepare with the very best fighters on the earth. I’ve the chance to battle the very best fighters on the earth. … I can battle with a variety of good guys within the UFC, but when Demetrious Johnson [is fully] retired and doesn’t battle no extra, possibly [we can] simply prepare, as a result of it’s one thing I need to take for my life, you already know?”
