Alexandre Pantoja is taking a well-deserved vacation after his latest win. Having defended his title against Steve Erceg at UFC 301, Pantoja wants to take the time to figure out his next move. That said, his plans could potentially include former flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson.
For those unaware, ‘The Cannibal’ recently made his second title defense at UFC 301. Despite it being a hotly contested decision, Pantoja walks away with his title once again. Having been in some wars in his last three fights, the fighter seemingly wants some time off. However, when he does return, the possibility of a fight against Demetrious Johnson is something that truly excites him.
“I think right now, after two title defenses, I can speak a little bit about that because I have huge respect for Demetrious Johnson. I can try to compare myself with him, and I think right now I can say something. Further, he added, “I think that’s the dream for me.”
All things considered, seeing the current state of the flyweight division, there are not a lot of matchups for the champion anyway. With a shortage of clear contenders in the division, a legacy fight between Pantoja and Demetrious Johnson is not the worst idea. However, the idea is easier said than done.
Will Demetrious Johnson ever return to the UFC?
For the most part, Demetrious Johnson is at a very interesting spot in his career wherein he is not exactly retired but at the same time not too active either. Currently the ONE Flyweight MMA champion, ‘MIghty’ has been out of action since his trilogy win over Adriano Moraes at last year’s ONE Fight Night 10. At the time, DJ had suggested that it could well have been the last time he ever took to the cage.
Since then, Johnson has mostly focused on competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has enjoyed the work-life balance that has come with it. At the same time, he is taking time to build on his brand and other other family duties before gets back to action, if he ever does. That said, it has been a while since he spoke about a potential UFC return:
“For me, I’ve been grinding so I think if I do step away, I don’t see myself coming back unless something just falls in my lap like I’ve got to go back and do it.”
“I hope (I won’t come back). Unless it’s some significant amount of number to where it’s like — and I’ll tell everybody the number like, ‘This is why I’m coming back, boys, I couldn’t pass it up, here we are back again.’”
That said, a legacy matchup against Alexandre Pantoja for his old flyweight title would truly be a fight for the ages. Whilst Pantoja, Johnson and possibly even the fan would be up for it, it is difficult to see the UFC offering the flyweight GOAT an absolute king’s ransom to return. Seeing that the fighter and the organization parted ways due to this very issue, a return seems highly unlikely, if not for a miraculous change of heart from the UFC.
Demetrious Johnson believes that Alexandre Pantoja is beatable
For the most part, Demetrious Johnson is well aware of Alexandre Pantoja and his credibility as the current flyweight champion. That said, he has given Pantoja his flowers but at the same time, believes that he is beatable and can be taken advantage of. Following his recent performance against Steve Erceg, DJ was not too inspired by the Brazilian’s performance.
“He was destroying Alex Pantoja on the feet. Alex Pantoja was bloodied up.”
“Then Steve would shoot a double leg against the better grappler, the better scrambler. That’s what I felt allowed Alex Pantoja to stay in the fight and win the fight. When I was watching the fight, I didn’t feel like Alex Pantoja was the better fighter. He’s the champ, but if you take him away from his grappling, you can take advantage of him.”
Thus, it is clear that DJ, being one of the most gifted combat sports analytical minds, sees some clear weaknesses in Alexandre Pantoja’s game. If presented with the opportunity and the right amount on a paycheck, Demetrious Johnson would jump at the opportunity to fight Pantoja. At the same time, the Brazilian’s rivalry with Sean O’Malley is also another potential super fight. Hence, the UFC has all the keys to create something incredible with the situation.
