“Gorgeous! He’s Got Such Great Cardio” – Joe Rogan Stunned by Alexandre Pantoja’s Techniques Months Before UFC 301

There aren’t many fighters who can easily impress
Joe Rogan. Being the color commentator for the UFC for almost two decades has undeniably given an edge to Rogan’s judgment of a fight. And Alexandre Pantoja has succeeded in impressing the commentator. Months before Pantoja’s fight against Steve Erceg, Rogan apparently stood in awe of the flyweight champion back when he was fighting Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval.

‘The Cannibal’ is currently rocking a 5-fight win streak. With a commendable collection of 27 wins, he makes sure that the audience stays on the edge of their seats. Without a doubt, the Brazilian succeeded in doing so in his last couple of fights.

Joe Rogan impressed with ‘dominant’ Alexandre Pantoja

As the date for UFC 301 closes in, the fight promotion shared a video on YouTube, wherein the fighters were introduced with great finesse. However, there was one fighter (Pantoja, of course) who had claimed Joe Rogan’s heart. As ‘The Cannibal’ entered the Octagon to fight Rovyal, Rogan commented, “Look at him now. Look at him dancing around. He looks more confident tonight!”

But this was just the beginning. The other commentators were also impressed with the Brazilian performing takedowns after takedowns against his opponent. To which the 56-year-old commentator expressed, “Yeah. Dominant grappling!” Thereafter, as the video showed Pantoja spinning over Rovyal to take control of his back, Rogan said, “See the way he spun there? Gorgeous! He’s got such great cardio that even while he’s tired, he can still push at a great pace.” Without a doubt, if one can impress Rogan to such an extent, he must be strong enough to be the champion and remain one.

Being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner himself, Rogan appreciated the high frequency of takedowns that Pantoja likes to display. The commentator liked the prospect of Pantoja so much that he even went against the judges’ decision in Pantoja’s fight against Moreno.

Rogan stood with Pantoja 

Following the events of UFC 290, when Pantoja took over the mantle of the UFC flyweight champion after defeating ‘The Assassin Baby’, Rogan and fellow commentator, Michael Bisping, denounced the judges’ verdict. “That was a terrible decision”, Rogan had said, as the fourth round was given to Moreno.

Nevertheless, ‘The Cannibal’ exercised his superior grappling skills and pinned his opponent against the cage while taking control of his back. Following the sound of the bell, it was, of course, Pantoja who emerged victorious with a win by decision. After that, the champion defended his title against Rovyal, with another win by decision. 

Finally, the Brazilian mixed martial artist is all set to defend his title for the second time, against the formidable Steve Erceg, at UFC 301, in Rio de Janeiro. Pantoja’s BJJ skills are destined to clash with Erceg’s grappling. Without a doubt, it would give the fight fans a spectacle that they won’t forget anytime soon. Do you think Pantoja would claim his sixth consecutive victory? Or will Erceg become the new flyweight champion? Let us know in the comments down below.