Alexandre Pantoja Takes Aim at Demetrious Johnson Aftter Close Call at UFC 301 Against Steve Erceg

Demetrious Johnson, the reigning and undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion and all-around MMA legend remains a dream fight for just about anyone competing in this division, regardless of the organization.

UFC Flyweight World Champion Alexandre ‘The Cannibal’ Pantoja recently went on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and said he would love to fight ‘Mighty Mouse’ and test his skills against the ONE Championship megastar. After successfully defending his title at UFC 301, the Brazilian has set his eyes on ONE Championship.

Alexandre Pantoja wants to fight Demetrious Johnson

Last weekend, Pantoja won his sixth straight in the Octagon and his second straight title defense at the expense of Steve Erceg at UFC 301 to the delight of his hometown fans in Brazil. 

Following Pantoja’s latest win, Helwani clarified a statement that was not translated during a press conference where ‘The Cannibal’ appeared to call for a fight with Johnson.

“He’s the GOAT, you know? How can I not say that? I think right now, after two title defenses, I can speak a little bit about that,” Pantoja said. 

“I have huge respect for Demetrious Johnson. I can’t compare myself to him. I think right now, we can say something, because I have more coins to put on the table. I think that’s a dream for me.”

Johnson had hinted at retirement prior to his third encounter with Adriano Moraes for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship at ONE Fight Night 10 in the promotion’s debut show on U.S. soil last year. 

Since then, fighters have put their name in the hat for a potential bout in the MMA legend’s few remaining fights in the all-encompassing sport.

Of course, Johnson has stayed active in other endeavors. 

He recently won medals in IBJJF tournaments as a brown belt and was recently awarded with his black belt in jiu-jitsu. He has also hinted at potentially throwing down in boxing with “the right opponent.”

‘Mighty Mouse’ judges The Cannibal’s skills

Outside competitions, he is also active in his Mightycast podcast, where he regularly offers fight breakdowns.

He made a review of Pantoja’s latest performance, and he was clearly not impressed by the UFC Flyweight World Champion. 

“I didn’t feel like Alex Pantoja was a better fighter… if you keep him away from his grappling… you can take advantage of him,” he said. 

“When I look at the past champions… [Figueiredo] absolutely amazing champion… when I look at Henry Cejudo , he would move and move so good… and when I look at myself, I was moving, finishing people.”

“And then when I look at Pantoja, it’s almost like he’s getting through the fight.. it’s not like he’s getting stronger as the fight goes on.”

At this stage of Johnson’s career, he may be very picky in who he wants to face, as any fight could be the final one of his storied career. 

While Pantoja may not fit the bill for him based on his recent criticisms, a ‘Champion Versus Champion’ match between the UFC and ONE Championship would certainly pique his interest, as will the rest of the world.