After defending his UFC flyweight title against Kai Asakura at UFC 310, Alexandre Pantoja boldly called out Demetrious Johnson.
Having nearly cleared out the UFC flyweight division, Pantoja faced former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura, who received an immediate title shot. However, Pantoja demonstrated once again why he is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters submitting Asakura in round 2.
Post-fight, ‘The Cannibal’ called for a massive showdown with former UFC flyweight champion Demetrius Johnson, despite Johnson’s retirement from the sport and departure from the UFC years ago.
Johnson has responded, explaining why he wouldn’t come out of retirement disappointing Pantoja and many fans.
Alexandre Pantoja Challenges Demetrious Johnson to Train Together After UFC 310 Win
Although the 34-year-old won’t get his wish to face Demetrious Johnson inside the UFC Octagon, Alexandre Pantoja has extended a new offer to Demetrius Johnson. Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show Pantoja said;
“I understand if he doesn’t want to fight; I have huge respect for him,”
“But I’ve seen him training recently, and who knows, maybe that fight could happen. I just want to train with him. Training with him is something I’d love because I already train with guys like Henry Cejudo, Kyoji Horiguchi, and Adriano Moraes. I train with a lot of great fighters.”
“It’s been a dream of mine to fight the best in the world, and Demetrious Johnson is the best. He’s so smart, and I want to challenge him. That’s why I fight, and why I never say no to anyone. Maybe I can reach out to him, and we can train together.”
Recently, Johnson has been spotted training with Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, sparking excitement among fans, though he clarified he was only helping out a little.
Pantoja Responds to Figueiredo’s Callout: A Fight That Excites Me
Although Johnson won’t be returning to the UFC to challenge the champion, Alexandre Pantoja may already have his next opponent lined up. Former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo recently called him out.
Figueiredo recently moved up to the bantamweight division and appeared to be on a solid path towards title contention. However, he recently suffered his first bantamweight defeat to Petr Yan, leading him to consider a return to the flyweight division.
Despite coming off a defeat, ‘Deus Da Guerra’ could find himself immediately in a 125-pound title fight. Especially since he holds a victory over Alexandre Pantoja from their first meeting in 2019.
“I want that fight too, because he beat me already, and I’m 100% confident I can beat him. But it could be risky for the UFC with him trying to make the weight, and maybe it’s risky for Figueiredo too, as his body has changed,” Alexandre Pantoja said.
“Figueiredo is a monster, that’s why he’s called the God of War. That’s a fight that excites me,” Pantoja added.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
