DALLAS – Alexandre Pantoja isn’t too sure the title unification bout in his division will go down before 2022 is over.
The UFC flyweight contender doesn’t think champion Deiveson Figueiredo will be prime to return later this year to unify the flyweight belts with interim champion Brandon Moreno. Pantoja (25-5 MMA, 9-3 UFC) sees the champion out of form and is beginning to question his future.
“I don’t know if Deiveson Figueiredo is ready to fight in December,” Pantoja said at the UFC 277 post-fight news conference. “He looks so fat. He says he has an injury in his hand and finger, but he looks fat. He can run, lift, but I don’t know, maybe he needs to find a better place to train. But in my position, I need to go back to the gym, work hard, and stay ready for whenever the UFC calls me.”
Pantoja fought on Saturday night and picked up a quick and impressive submission win over Alex Perez on the main card of UFC 277, the same event where Moreno defeated Kai Kara-France to become interim champion.
The Brazilian veteran fighter is frustrated with his standing in the division. Now on a three-fight winning streak, it’s clear that Pantoja is a standout, but he still remains distant from a title shot given the pending unification bout with Moreno and Figueiredo. Pantoja is happy for Moreno and is open to serve as a backup for the title fight – and if needed, even fight someone else in the meantime.
“It’s an amazing victory for Brandon,” Pantoja said regarding Moreno’s interim title win. “Brandon is a very tough opponent. I fought with both guys in the TUF show, and both guys come to the UFC and make beautiful careers. Both guys have families and are family guys like me, and they make entertaining fights.
“I see now they’ll try to make Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Moreno 4, and that’s frustrating, but the show is that. If I need to fight one more time, I’m here.”
Pantoja later added, “I’m in a position now where I don’t need to call anybody out. The UFC needs to see what’s best for the division.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 277.
