Media Alexandre Pantoja wants shot at double champ status vs Merab Dvalishvili

[svmr_db]

UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is interested in moving up in weight and challenging bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili.

"I really want to fight with Merab now, to get the second belt," Pantoja told "The Fight Bananas Show" on Tuesday. "If I have the opportunity, it's gonna be nice for me. People have put this in my mind, and now I start to think that's a good idea."

Pantoja has emerged as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in MMA since winning the 125-pound title in July 2023. He's defended the belt three times, most recently submitting Kai Asakura at UFC 310 in December, and his reign is the fourth longest among current champions.

The Brazilian said he views himself as a real threat to Dvalishvili's 135-pound throne.

"I think I have a chance," Pantoja said. "Before, I (thought) about fighting with (former bantamweight champion Sean) O'Malley. Because I have some history with O'Malley. He talked shit. I think maybe with Merab, it's gonna be better for me, if I have the chance to fight him. I'm a good grappler, too. I like to make jiu-jitsu. If Merab puts me down, it's gonna be nice for me, too. I know how to move."

Rumors circulated on social media last week that the UFC was targeting a fight between Pantoja and No. 4-ranked flyweight Kai Kara-France. However, Pantoja said he hasn't heard who his next opponent will be.

He added that he wants to return to action at UFC 314, which is scheduled for April 12 in Miami. Pantoja trains out of American Top Team in nearby Coconut Creek, Florida.

"Make a fight here in my hometown," Pantoja said. "I don't even have to take an airplane. It's gonna be perfect for me. That's what I want, that's what I asked the UFC (for)."

 

[Jeppeking]

Pantoja is tiny, stay in your lane little fella

 

[Conan the K-9]

I don’t like the idea, but Pantoja is the only one of the current champs who has cleared his division and because of that he could fight for the second belt.

 

[Eric Silva 2.0]

Pantoja has cleaned out the division and probably earned a shot a double champ status. That's why he probably won't be given the shot at Merab.

 

[svmr_db]

I think they may as well do it. Book O'Malley vs Yan 2 in the meantime to determine the next bantamweight challenger after that.

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

I'm over Champ v Champ... That being said. It sounds like a better fight than Merab vs Topuria.

 

[RockyLockridge]

ok feed him to merab then, Timing makes sense. Do KKF vs Kape for interim title

 

[svmr_db]

ok feed him to merab then, Timing makes sense. Do KKF vs Kape for interim title

No need for an interim lol, nobody at flyweight has a super strong case for a title shot right now anyways. They can all take one more fight to pick up a win and fight for the flyweight title in the summer / fall.

 

[RockyLockridge]

No need for an interim lol, nobody at flyweight has a super strong case for a title shot right now anyways. They can all take one more fight to pick up a win and fight for the flyweight title in the summer / fall.

Well just in the case pantoja wins and decides not to come back down

 

[El Panteron]

Pantoja is tiny, stay in your lane little fella

Pantoja's like 2cm shorter than Dvalishvili

 

[Pilo]

Hell, I’d love to watch!

These Champ vs Champ fights are always intriguing.

 

[EndlessCritic]

I don't think he has much of a chance, but there isn't a single interesting contender for Merab right now at 135.

 

[Dorkman]

Feel like Pantoja is getting run over in that fight

 

[gentel]

Their heights may be similar but Merab is The Machine. No way Pantoja can deal with that cardio while grappling someone whose main weight class is 10lbs heavier

 

[Bradillac]

That's just silly.

 

[Mohawk Banditó]

I too like to make jiu-jitsu

 

[markys00]

Pantoja is tiny, stay in your lane little fella

Manlet detected. What are you? 5'2? Lol pantoja would tower over you

 

[HHJ]

Pantoja is awesome but i dont see a way to win here
the grappling in the first rd will be sick tho

 

[markys00]

That's just silly.

You saying it's silly is silly. The fight makes more sense than most champ vs champ fights

 

[Jeppeking]

Manlet detected. What are you? 5'2? Lol pantoja would tower over you

Did i hit a soft spot?
Pantoja could suck me off standing.