Demetrious Johnson is liking what he’s seeing from the current UFC flyweight champion.
Johnson, the most decorated flyweight champion in company history with 11 consecutive defenses, was very complimentary of Pantoja’s first title defense in this past Saturday’s UFC 296 co-main event. The Brazilian defeated Brandon Royval in a clear, unanimous decision win.
“Mighty Mouse” thought Pantoja looked great, and forecasted he would have this type of success in him from seeing his early days as a contender in the division.
“I think he’s great – I’ve always had big praise for Alexandre Pantoja,” Johnson told MMA Junkie. “I’ve always thought he’s a dark horse. He’s a very good. He’s a very good grappler and that’s his strong suit. He’s got a very good chin, and in the fight he looked great.
“Brandon really impressed me. I thought that Brandon was just going to get destroyed by Pantoja, but he showed a lot of heart and grit. He was very good off his back and that’s where I think he did most of his damage, off his back, and on the feet, too. He did a good job. It was a great fight. Pantoja is great for the flyweight division, and I can’t wait to see who he’s going to fight next.”
Johnson set a record for most consecutive title defenses in UFC history during his run from September 2012-August 2018. Since his departure from the promotion in 2018, no champion at 125 pounds has been able to defend his belt more than once. This list of subsequent titleholders includes Henry Cejudo, Deiveson Figueiredo, Brandon Moreno and now, Pantoja.
Johnson believes Pantoja, skill wise, may be the one to bring some stability at the championship level at flyweight.
“I think so, yeah. He has the full, complete set,” Johnson said. “I think that only thing I saw this weekend that Brandon could’ve taken advantage of, was that he was so focused on defending the takedown and out striking Pantoja – I don’t think you’re going to knockout Pantoja, he’s got a chin. I think if Brandon wrestled him, like ‘OK, I’m going to take the grappling to you and put you on your back and force,’ that’s where Pantoja looked like he was depleting most of his gas tank. They would get in a scramble and Brandon would get up and that’s where he would start with the jab. I think if Pantoja will look back and think, ‘I have to work in X, Y and Z.’
“Also, he’s getting older, he’s been fighting for a very long time, how much longer does he want to do it – all these things play a factor in stability in being a champion. When I look back when I did it, 11 consecutive title defenses, finishes, and always trying to be ahead a step of my competition. It’s a lot of work. It’s not just the fights. You’re training, staying healthy, and your mind set. How much longer does he want to do it? It all boils down to all that stuff.”
