Alexandre Pantoja just had yet another dominant title defence. Going up against Kai Kara-France, Pantoja was expected to face significant challenges. However, the reality was quite contrasting. Dominating the game from the word go, Pantoja caught Kara-France in a submission hold in the third round. And while the New Zealander tried his best to counter, he had to give up and submit. Now, after having defended his title four times, Pantoja wants to spice things up.
Pantoja has always wanted the UFC to focus more on the flyweight division. Thus, speaking to Ariel Helwani, Pantoja had an interesting proposal. He stated that a BMF title fight at 130 lbs makes perfect sense, and Merab Dvalishvili would be an ideal candidate for the bout.
“Money talks… if the UFC wants to do something crazy, make a BMF and make it 130 pounds. Me, Merab, why not?” Pantoja stated.
Alexandre Pantoja says he'd be down to fight Merab if it was for a BMF belt at 130 lbs 👀🔥
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 30, 2025
"Money talks… if the UFC wants to do something crazy, make a BMF and make it 130 pounds. Me, Merab, why not?…
I don't need to vacate my belt, and it makes it more fair."
(via… pic.twitter.com/DkuFC8tD8z
He also stated that such fights would be good for the business. Pantoja believed that the hype of the BMF belt between two champions would draw the fans, generating an impressive gate for Dana White and co. Meanwhile, looking at the PVP rankings, Pantoja did not seem to be happy at all.
Alexandre Pantoja Goes Off On UFC About Inexplicable PvP Ranking Structure
Alexandre Pantoja is currently placed ninth in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. And this is not something that the flyweight champion is taking lightly. In a recent presser, Pantoja went off on UFC. He pointed out that despite having five title fights and a streak of eight victories, he is still behind the likes of Jack Della Maddalena and Magomed Ankalaev.
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“I’m just behind Islam Makhachev. [My ranking] doesn’t make sense. Five fights for title, eight victories in streak — numbers don’t lie, brother. The only guy I accept is Islam Makhachev because he has numbers… You put Jack [Della] Maddalena above me? You think I need to beat Jack Maddalena to get his position? It’s time to respect flyweights,” said Pantoja.
Thus, making some significant ripples, it now remains to be seen how the UFC responds in the future.
Also Read: Brandon Moreno Calls for Noche UFC Title Shot Against Alexandre Pantoja: “I’m The Right Choice”
