Alexandre Pantoja expressed genuine empathy for his opponent Brandon Royval after defending his flyweight title at UFC 296, showing respect for the hard work and dreams of his competitors while emphasizing his own commitment to his career and family.
Alexandre Pantoja? Nicest guy in MMA, some say. He’s got a heart, even in the octagon.
Saturday’s fight? A big win for Pantoja. He defended his flyweight title at UFC 296, outmaneuvering Brandon Royval. It was his first title defense, and boy, was he thrilled. But, get this: he felt a pang of sadness for Royval too.
“He’s a very nice kid,” Pantoja spilled on *The MMA Hour*. “Worked his tail off, you know?” He’s genuine, folks. Sad for Royval, really. It’s a team effort, after all. Losses hit everyone. Family, friends – it’s a shared dream. Crushing it? Part of the sport he loves.
To Royval, if you’re tuning in, Pantoja’s got a message: “Thank you.” Respect and love, all the way. A great fight, a great guy.
Now, respect’s one thing. Empathy? That’s next level. UFC 296 had its share of trash talk, but Pantoja? He’s different. Empathy doesn’t mean he’ll step aside, though. No sir.
“People might think I’m spewing nonsense,” he admits. But it’s a tough sport. Royval lost before, clawed back with three wins. Pantoja’s got his own path, though. A legacy to build, kids to raise, a family to support. Thirty-three fights in, 16 years throwing punches professionally. Time to make some bank. He’s climbing that mountain, not stopping, not yet. Retirement’s on the horizon, but with a comfy cushion of cash.
In the flyweight division, respect’s the norm. Not much trash talk. Pantoja respects that. The belt? It’s earned in the ring. Colby Covington‘s shot at the title? Well, that’s another story. The man’s got a mouth, sells pay-per-views. Good for Pantoja’s pocket, at least. [Chuckles.] Leon’s too, probably.
With Royval in the past, who’s next for Pantoja? He’s not fussy about the “who.” It’s all about the “where.” Brazil’s on his mind. UFC’s eyeing Brazil for 2024, maybe Rio, his hometown. He’s watching Moreno vs. Albazi, no doubt. A killer match-up.
Moreno’s the talk of the town. Pantoja’s keen to see if he lives up to the hype. A fourth fight with Moreno? Pantoja’s all in. And if Albazi takes the win, that’s cool. A fresh face, a new challenge.
Moreno and Albazi? They’re set to throw down in a five-rounder at UFC Mexico City, come February 24. Mark your calendars.