Alexandre Pantoja was on hand at the 2024 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, and addressed the state of the flyweight division over which he reigns.
Among several recently passed and upcoming key 125lb fights, former RIZIN champ Manel Kape takes on Muhammad Mokaev, in a bout that could produce the next title challenger.
“I think it’s going to be a good match. Two tough challengers. Manel Kape’s very solid,” Pantoja said, looking ahead to the July booking. “About Muhammad Mokaev, some people need to see something more. I’m one of those guys. With Manel, it’s going to be huge for both guys.”
Overall, meanwhile, Pantoja said that he’s “super happy about my division. We have very good names.”
“The division’s on fire. You have Tatsuro [Taira], a couple main events we have. Super happy about the division. I love to see the fans defend my division, saying ‘shut your mouth you casual, you don’t understand anything.’ That’s what I think too.”
While Pantoja doesn’t expect to be cageside for Kape vs. Mokaev at UFC 304 in Manchester, he’d be down for the trip. “If the UFC wants to bring me there, of course it’s going to be a pleasure for me.”
In the meantime, the UFC’s flyweight champ plans to return to the gym. “I have a huge division to defend my belt [against]. The guys are training, and I’m here. I need to get back to training.”
Watch the full media scrum with Alexandre Pantoja at the 2024 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony above.
