“This Is Disrespectful” – Alexandre Pantoja & Fans React After Dana White’s Huge Update to P4P Rankings Post UFC 310

When the UFC released it’s latest pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings for men, one name seemed to stand out for all the wrong reasons, Alexandre Pantoja. Despite being the reigning flyweight champion and a dominant force in his division, Pantoja was placed at #9 [up from #11] on the list. And just like that, a quiet controversy was born.

For years, fans have voiced their frustrations with UFC rankings, questioning the criteria and consistency behind the numbers. Even UFC CEO Dana White has expressed dissatisfaction with how rankings are determined, once calling the process problematic and declaring, “I have to get rid of these clowns!”, referring to the collaborative effort of MMA media houses in determining the rankings. White has enlisted the help of his billionaire friend Mark Zuckerberg to explore the possibility of using AI to refine the rankings system.

AI debates can wait, but let’s get back to the real question: how could someone with such an impressive record be so undervalued? Pantoja’s response? A single emoji: 🤔. Short, sharp, loaded with meaning, and it was all the fuel his fans needed to start a firestorm online.

Alexandre Pantoja’s recent performance at UFC 310 against Kai Asakura was incredibly spectacular. In that bout, Pantoja delivered a decisive victory, showcasing his dominance with a second-round submission win via RNC, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the flyweight division. The win highlighted his undeniable skills, leaving fans even more perplexed about his low ranking.

“You’ve wiped out the whole division,” fans react to Alexandre Pantoja’s unfair rank

The UFC ranking controversy has been a topic that has often overshadowed the bouts and fight cards the organization presents. This current one surrounding ‘The Cannibal’ ignites a wave of reaction from fans, highlighting their frustration. “This is disrespectful with the champion… @UFC this is a joke with Pantoja?” one fan exclaimed. Another fan added, “Man, they keep disrespecting you…you should be in the top 5 easily.” The conversation has since sparked into a wider debate, are fighters in the flyweight division consistently overlooked?

“You’ve wiped out the whole division. You easily top 3 in my book”, one fan passionately wrote. Another pointed out, “He’s tied for the most active title defenses, and somehow isn’t in the top 5 P4P.” The comment section continued to flood with criticism aimed at the UFC.

“Bro’s getting robbed, easily top 5”, another supporter declared. “Clearly UFC didn’t care about [flyweight] division“, a frustrated fan lamented. “Pantoja should rank either 5 or 6 now, not 9.” These comments echo a broader sentiment, the flyweight division’s relative lack of marketability shouldn’t overshadow the undeniable talent of its champion.

“You should be up in that sh*t, but unfortunately ur division only have one big name and that’s you”, another fan pointed out, reflecting the harsh reality faced by flyweight fighters. Critics of the UFC rankings argue that marketability often takes precedence over merit, leaving fighters like this 34-year-old in the shadows.

From disregarding dominant champions to overhyping popular fighters, fans believe subjective factors weigh heavily in ranking decisions. “Can’t even leave the rankings to the judges”, one fan sarcastically remarked, referencing the lopsided decision where Ciryl Gane ‘beat’ Alexander Volkov at the UFC 310 main card’s heavyweight showing. While the flyweight champ remains characteristically reserved, his understated emoji speaks volumes. For fans, it’s a reminder that their champion deserves better. And perhaps, as more voices join the outcry, the UFC will be forced to reevaluate not only Alexandre Pantoja’s position but also the system that placed him there.

What do you think? Should Pantoja’s ranking be higher? Is the flyweight division being overlooked, or is this simply a case of rankings reflecting the broader problem in the MMA landscape? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!