A recent statement by a renowned former flyweight division star has set the MMA community abuzz. Demetrious Johnson has been considered one of the best mixed martial artists ever. He criticized the present UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, just after winning at UFC 301.
Demetrious Johnson posted a new video on his YouTube channel recently. He talked about the performance of Pantoja when he fought against Steve Erceg who is still an up-and-coming fighter. He raised concerns over Pantoja’s adaptability inside the octagon; noting that he failed to do so. Additionally, he pointed out that he thought Pantoja did not display better skills than earlier either.
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… 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.
Demetrious Johnson via Mighty Mouse YT
Johnson compared Pantoja to past champions like himself and Henry Cejudo. He restated that the fighting of Pantoja was uninspiring. Johnson hinted that Pantoja only sought to survive rather than become better during the fight. He also condemned him for not finishing fights. This jibe was aimed at Pantoja’s alleged inability to take charge and dominate his opponents completely.
Demetrious Johnson criticizes Alexandre Pantoja’s performance at #UFC301, and compares him to past flyweight champions.
“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…
When I look at the past… pic.twitter.com/j3ee84NS8W
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 5, 2024
The criticism by Demetrious Johnson sparked off debates over what truly constitutes greatness within the flyweight division. During Alexandre Pantoja’s tenure, everyone will be watching keenly to see whether he can prove his critics wrong and inscribe his name among the greatest of all time.
Alexandre Pantoja expressed his willingness to share the Octagon with Demetrious Johnson
Recently, the current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja called out to one of the fighters. He stated that he wanted to fight with Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson who is considered as one of the greatest in that division ever. He said that it would be an honor for him if this happened inside the UFC octagon.
Alexandre Pantoja showed respect to Demetrious Johnson (via BJ Penn)Johnson is signed under ONE Fighting Championship at the moment. Pantoja mentioned he wishes Johnson could only come back to UFC for him to have that fight. He praised Johnson and said this was his dream fight:
For me, if i have the opportunity to train with Demetrious Johnson it’s gonna be awesome for me. If I think about fighting him it’s gonna be like heaven. I have respect for him. He’s one of the best guys fighting in the world pound-for-pound.
Alexandre Pantoja via TMZ
Of course, such a bout would not be without its logistical hurdles. Johnson currently competes in the ONE Championship promotion. Any potential showdown with Pantoja would require a cross-promotional agreement between the two organizations. This is a rarity in the world of mixed martial arts.
