UFC 277 had an interim flyweight championship in the co-main event. But a feature bout on the main card had an opponent with wins over both fighters involved in the title bout later. Alexandre Pantoja has two victories over Brandon Moreno and one over Kai Kara-France. Yet he was not fighting for the interim strap.
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Thus, he had a chip on his shoulder to prove he deserved a spot in the interim championship contest. Pantoja had a remarkable outing; He defeated flyweight contender Alex Perez in a definitive display.
‘The Cannibal’ took the center stage, pressured his opponent, and got the job done with a quick submission as he was holding his counterpart, Perez, in a body triangle.
After the bout, Pantoja put the division on notice. The flyweight standout told Joe Rogan he could take on both fighters involved in the co-main event. Further, he declared himself the champion of the division.
“I’m the next flyweight champion. Right here,” Pantoja told Rogan. Later, he pointed out his wins over Moreno and Kara-France.
Fans were quick to jump on social media to pour their emotions after Pantoja’s exceptional performance.
MMA fans react to Alexandre Pantoja’s UFC 277 master class
The official result (1:31 R1, submission RNC) saw Pantoja adding another submission to his resume. Pantoja now has 10 first-round finishes to his name.
Thus, the fans wanted the ATT star to compete in the next championship bout. In addition, they complimented the flyweight for an impressive night at UFC 277.
Pantoja is legit, yeesh #UFC277
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) July 31, 2022
Title shot for my guy @Pantojamma come on #UFC277
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) July 31, 2022
Wow Pantoja made a statement of all statements
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 31, 2022
Damn. That was clinical by Pantoja. 125 is rolling right now.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 31, 2022
Wow! Statement made by Pantoja! #UFC277
— Helen Yee (@HelenYeeSports) July 31, 2022
Alexandre Pantoja just tore through Alex Perez.
I'd say give that man a title shot but the winner of tonight's co-main has to fight Figgy Smalls next. #UFC277
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) July 31, 2022
Alexandre Pantoja!!! The man who's a combined 3-0 over tonight's title fighters just reminded everyone at 125lbs who he is. That was wild. #UFC277
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) July 31, 2022
Pantoja was beating anyone tonight including Francis
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 31, 2022
With Moreno winning the interim championship later in the night (co-main event), Pantoja wouldn’t get the next flyweight championship bout. However, he could be the backup fighter for the 4th bout between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno to unify the 125 lbs gold.
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Deiveson Figueiredo of Brazil (left) exchanges punches with Brandon Moreno of Mexico in their flyweight title fight during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Also, UFC President Dana White, in the post-fight press conference, acknowledged Pantoja to be ‘very close’ to the title. Besides, he offered if Moreno wasn’t the interim champion, Pantoja could’ve fought for the title next.
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What do you make of this UFC 277 featured flyweight bout? Share your thought in the comments section.
Written by
Edited by
Paras Pande