UFC Flyweight Champ Alexandre Pantoja “Ready for Everything”

Los Angeles — UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja was last seen in action in December, when he put away RIZIN star Kai Asakura in the main event of UFC 310.

With a few more months expected before his next title defense, Pantoja (29-5) is keeping busy both in and out of the gym — and spent part of last week in Los Angeles in conjunction with UFC 311. That included a training session for kids at Guardian Jiu-Jitsu in L.A.

Pantoja’s martial arts journey began with jiu-jitsu, and the discipline remains special to the 125lb champ.

“Jiu-jitsu is so special for me, because of the philosophy about jiu-jitsu,” Pantoja told Cageside Press in an exclusive interview. “You come to the match, you prove yourself, respect your master, look [people] in the eyes. There’s so many things you learn here.”

“If I train with you, we’re going to be the best of friends. You put your heart in my heart. That’s jiu-jitsu. Connection,” Pantoja added. “Touching each other. You finish me, we’re still friends. I try to finish you.” When it comes to BJJ, “that’s very good for the community, for people.”

Getting the chance to teach kids was a nice boost for Alexandre Pantoja as well. “It’s going to be very hard for my next opponent, after getting so much love from the kids.”

And while no opponent has been announced for his next fight, he remains focused on the flyweight division, and making it the best division possible. “I want still to make my division great. I’m super-happy with the opportunity the UFC gives to me,” said Pantoja, adding that training in L.A with the kids let him “live a dream.”

“Let’s see. I got that energy and I’m going to be ready for everything.”

Watch our full interview with UFC flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja above.