UFC champ Alexandre Pantoja wanted to move up for Sean O’Malley, vows to rule flyweight 'for a long time'
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja contemplated a move to bantamweight, but since Sean O’Malley is no longer the champion, he wants to continue his reign at 125 pounds.
Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) and former bantamweight champ O’Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) recently went back and forth over what happened in a sparring session. Pantoja, who has defended his flyweight title twice, began thinking about a move to the bantamweight division, but it turns out that was only to settle the score with O’Malley, who has since lost his title to Merab Dvalishvili.
As things currently stand, Pantoja is no longer interested in moving up to 135 pounds.
“No, I’m the flyweight champion,” Pantoja told MMA Junkie when asked if a bantamweight move was still possible. “I want to stay here for a long time. I just thought about (a move) to fight with O’Malley because we have some history before, you know, he talked something bad. I want to prove I beat him in the gym, and I can beat him in a real fight.”
Pantoja is just a few days away from headlining UFC 310 on Dec. 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he will welcome promotional newcomer and former Rizin champion Kai Asakura.
Should he past that test, Pantoja recognizes there are a few deserving contenders waiting for their shot at the title, including rematches against Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval. But first things first: he must ensure Asakura doesn’t end his championship reign.
“A couple of options, good options,” Pantoja said. “I just think about Kai Asakura, make a great show for everyone. That’s what I want. Give to all my fans a great show Dec. 7. It’s going to be great.”