Alexandre Pantoja would’ve liked the chance to problem himself in opposition to Demetrious Johnson, however now that the some of the achieved champions in UFC historical past known as it a profession, Pantoja hopes to have the ability to take away some data and talent.
Pantoja defends the UFC flyweight title in opposition to Kai Asakura this Saturday at UFC 310. Pantoja headlines his second pay-per-view card of the 12 months, this time in opposition to the previous RIZIN bantamweight champ and promotional newcomer.
Whereas he’s targeted on Asakura, Pantoja couldn’t assist however marvel if Johnson’s retirement announcement may result in the UFC selecting “Mighty Mouse” again up sooner or later.
“Now he retired, and now UFC can contract him once more,” Pantoja informed MMA Preventing. “The one factor I can take into consideration is that. I don’t know if they will try this.
“However after all, enormous respect for him. He’s a GOAT and I respect every part he did for my division, for me, for the entire guys. We wanted respect as a result of I have to pay my payments. I’m a fighter, I’m an expert. That’s my job. And Demetrious Johnson opened area for us. [He was] unstoppable, undefeated [for so long], that’s loopy.”
Pantoja places his title on the road for the second time after successful the belt at UFC 290 in opposition to Brandon Moreno in July 2023. The 34-year-old has gained six straight, together with defeating Steve Erceg by way of resolution at UFC 301 in Might in his first title protection.
Having fought quite a lot of the highest flyweight contenders on the street to successful his first UFC title, Pantoja hopes to have the ability to practice with Johnson sooner or later.
“I simply wish to practice with him,” Pantoja mentioned. “I practice with one of the best fighters on this planet. I’ve the chance to combat one of the best fighters on this planet. … I can combat with quite a lot of good guys within the UFC, but when Demetrious Johnson [is fully] retired and doesn’t combat no extra, possibly [we can] simply practice, as a result of it’s one thing I wish to take for my life, you realize?”
