Alexandre Pantoja can’t understand how he’s been left out of the flyweight title picture.
With reigning UFC 125-pound champion Deiveson Figueiredo unavailable to defend his title for unknown reasons, the promotion opted to create an interim title fight between ex-champ Brandon Moreno (19-5-2 MMA, 7-2-2 UFC) and surging contender Kai Kara-France (24-9 MMA, 7-2 UFC) at UFC 277 on July 30.
But where does that leave Pantoja? Considering that the Brazilian holds wins over both men and is coming off back-to-back victories over Manel Kape and Brandon Royval, he feels he should have been the one competing for the title.
“I was upset that it didn’t look like everything I did in the division,” Pantoja told MMA Junkie. “I’m showing every fight the level I’m at and I want to be recognized by the UFC, but I really believe in this company which made my art get paid for that. I beat them both in one week.
“It’s been a while but nothing changes that and the brunette must still have nightmares of his last fight with me, but being very honest I am very happy with my division. The boys are doing a great job, but I have what no other fighter has, something that when the cage is locked you can feel.”
Pantoja (24-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC) beat both Moreno and Kara-France back-to-back on Season 24 of “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2016. He then rematched Moreno two years later at UFC Fight Night 129 in May 2018, defeating “The Assassin Baby” by unanimous decision.
Having faced Moreno and Kara-France, Pantoja gives both men a chance to win the fight.
“This fight is going to be very good,” Pantoja said. “I hope they are sure that it will make a lot of difference for the division. I can’t see a favorite, but whoever is more focused on the day will win.”
