Is Alexander Pantoja the Most Underrated Champion in the UFC?

[Dreyga_King of Sherbums]

Sherbums, let’s give some respect to Alexander Pantoja. He’s already beaten most of the top guys in his division before becoming champion, and now he’s on his way to do it all over again. He’s 3-0 against Brandon Moreno, including their bloody battle at UFC 290, which was one of the most exciting title fights in recent memory.

Not only that, but he’s also beaten Brandon Royval twice, and Royval is now working his way back for a third shot. Yet Pantoja still seems to be overlooked despite always putting on thrilling performances. His aggressive style, high fight IQ, and relentless pace make him a fighter fans should be more vocal about.

When are we going to give this man his flowers? Is Pantoja the most underrated champion in the UFC right now? Time to recognize greatness.

 

[ExitLUPin]

Yes it's criminal he isn't top 10 P4P. His control backtakes are annoying but can't deny effectiveness. He is probably top 5 flyweight all time

Before Schnell retired, Pantoja was 9-0 against the top 10. We haven't seen a champ with that kind of record against the top 10 in a long time.

He is objectively not even in his prime anymore and still getting title defenses in.

Fighting for 17 years with over 30 fights for a flyweight is ancient.

 

[Bobby Boulders]

I agree with you, he doesn't get his due

 

[achoo42]

Yet Pantoja still seems to be overlooked despite always putting on thrilling performances.

He's thrilling for about a round and a half before he starts laying on people while doing zero damage.

 

[filthybliss]

I think most respect his output but he just is not that exciting as a fighter to get talked about a lot.

 

[andgonsil]

Figgy was more exciting

 

[Westbrick]

People don't like his style, they prefer someone hitting air all night like Erceg

 

[World eater]

Actually a great fighter. Did way better than I anticipated. However, being small and winning by decision turns many people off.

 

[Hdfi]

Sherbums, let’s give some respect to Alexander Pantoja. He’s already beaten most of the top guys in his division before becoming champion, and now he’s on his way to do it all over again. He’s 3-0 against Brandon Moreno, including their bloody battle at UFC 290, which was one of the most exciting title fights in recent memory.

Not only that, but he’s also beaten Brandon Royval twice, and Royval is now working his way back for a third shot. Yet Pantoja still seems to be overlooked despite always putting on thrilling performances. His aggressive style, high fight IQ, and relentless pace make him a fighter fans should be more vocal about.

When are we going to give this man his flowers? Is Pantoja the most underrated champion in the UFC right now? Time to recognize greatness.

Absolutely, and it's ridiculous that he's not in the top 10 P4P. He has more top ten wins than any other current champion.

 

[Bowel-forged Stool]

 

[Doger]

Who?

 

[StonedLemur]

Sherbums, let’s give some respect to Alexander Pantoja. He’s already beaten most of the top guys in his division before becoming champion, and now he’s on his way to do it all over again. He’s 3-0 against Brandon Moreno, including their bloody battle at UFC 290, which was one of the most exciting title fights in recent memory.

Not only that, but he’s also beaten Brandon Royval twice, and Royval is now working his way back for a third shot. Yet Pantoja still seems to be overlooked despite always putting on thrilling performances. His aggressive style, high fight IQ, and relentless pace make him a fighter fans should be more vocal about.

When are we going to give this man his flowers? Is Pantoja the most underrated champion in the UFC right now? Time to recognize greatness.

Called it before he won the title.
Knew he'd be champ one day even during his TUF season.

FLW champ in waiting.

I see Pantoja becoming FLW champ this year. I love Moreno and Figgy, but I think Pantoja beats both of them tbh...despite Pantoja losing to Figgy previously. I know you guys hate FLW but do you think Pantoja takes it this year?

forums.sherdog.com

 

[AldoStillGoat]

Erceg almost beat him

 

[CatchtheseHands]

If he beats Asakura he most certainly will get his flowers.

 

[Steve Fox]

Pantoja is great. With this being said, he will now lose the next one because you made a thread about him. It's the Dreyga curse.

 

[Chael_Sonnen]

Called it before he won the title.
Knew he'd be champ one day even during his TUF season.

FLW champ in waiting.

I see Pantoja becoming FLW champ this year. I love Moreno and Figgy, but I think Pantoja beats both of them tbh...despite Pantoja losing to Figgy previously. I know you guys hate FLW but do you think Pantoja takes it this year?

forums.sherdog.com

Haha just looked at the first reply and guess who it is, ole Nostradamus Chael back in the house.

Good job sir, great minds clearly think alike. Pantoja is so damn good, it's such a shame he doesn't get his dues.

 

[StonedLemur]

Haha just looked at the first reply and guess who it is, ole Nostradamus Chael back in the house.

Good job sir, great minds clearly think alike. Pantoja is so damn good, it's such a shame he doesn't get his dues.

I wish he fought Figgy again, but yeah... we're smart mothafuckas sir lol

 

[rjmbrd]

He's thrilling for about a round and a half before he starts laying on people while doing zero damage.

Thats our thread folks thanks for stopping in.

 

[Tweak896]

Pantoja has a great record, but his style isn't as amazing to watch. I remember being stoked for Figgy because he was just pressuring in and KOing guys when he got his title.

Most of his wins came from non title fights. He won title in a split decision and defended 2x with decisions.

Still I think he's the champ with most wins over the current top 10. To me he's a good champ but not one I get excited to hold the throne.

 

[Chael_Sonnen]

I wish he fought Figgy again, but yeah... we're smart mothafuckas sir lol

Yeah that would have been fun. I will say, Figgy's run at 135 has been mightily impressive, I thought he would age out, instead he is looking like he will get a title shot.