Pantoja's Flyweight Reign: A New Era in the UFC?
Alexandre Pantoja is making a strong case for being the best flyweight in UFC history. He recently defended his title against Kai Kara-France at UFC 317 in Las Vegas.
Dominant Performance
Pantoja dominated the fight, taking Kara-France down and using his superior ground game to secure a submission win in the third round. This was his fourth successful title defense since becoming champion in 2023.
Impressive Record
Pantoja's record speaks for itself:
- 30 wins
- 5 losses
His ability to control fights on the ground is a key factor in his success. He has broken records in the flyweight division, tying with Demetrious Johnson for:
- Most wins
- Most finishes
- Most submissions in UFC flyweight history
His victories over top contenders like:
- Kai Asakura
- Steve Erceg
- Brandon Royval
- Brandon Moreno
show his skill and consistency.
Pound-for-Pound Ranking
After his win, Pantoja called for a higher ranking in the pound-for-pound list. It's hard to argue against him. His performance against Kara-France was impressive, and his record is solid. The UFC seems to agree, as they have already lined up his next opponent.
Upcoming Challenge
In the fight before the co-main event, Joshua Van defeated Brandon Royval in a thrilling match. Van and Royval combined for a record number of strikes in a three-round fight. Van's performance was so impressive that he has called for a title shot. The UFC has invited him to face Pantoja next, and it looks like the fight is just a matter of setting a date.
Van's Confidence
Van is on a six-fight winning streak and has shown incredible skill and resilience. His recent wins, including a short-notice victory over Royval, prove he is a serious contender. Van is confident and ready to challenge Pantoja, stating:
"He's a great champion, but he ain't never fought Joshua Van."
The Future of the Flyweight Division
The flyweight division is heating up, and Pantoja's reign is far from over. With his impressive record and skill set, he is a force to be reckoned with. The upcoming fight against Van will be a test of his abilities, but Pantoja has shown he is up for any challenge.