Alexandre Pantoja’s response to superfight talk is emblematic of a true champion—respectful, open-minded, but ultimately grounded
While a bout with Merab Dvalishvili could be explosive and legacy-defining, Pantoja is committed to defending his flyweight title and facing the next wave of contenders.
UFC 317 will be a pivotal moment. A dominant performance against Kai Kara-France could silence any doubts about his reign and bolster his case as one of the best flyweights in UFC history.
Superfights can wait. For now, Pantoja is staying in his lane—and making sure it stays the most exciting in the sport.
Both men are champions in their prime, and both have the kind of skills that would make for a tactical, grueling, and fan-friendly bout.
As Dvalishvili said himself — “if the UFC wants it, and if Pantoja wants it, I have no problem with that.” And for fight fans who appreciate technique, cardio, and heart, that’s a statement worth getting excited about.
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Alexandre Pantoja Discusses Merab Dvalishvili Rumors
Focuses on Flyweight Title Defense Against Kai Kara-France
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is heading into a crucial title defense against Kai Kara-France at UFC 317, but he’s already fielding questions about a potential cross-division superfight.1
Bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili has been floated as a possible future opponent, and while Pantoja didn’t shut the door on that possibility, he made it clear that his heart lies with the flyweight division.
In this article, we explore Pantoja’s recent comments, analyze the implications of a fight with Dvalishvili, and examine what’s ahead for the reigning 125-pound king.
Respect Between Warriors: Pantoja and Dvalishvili
When asked about a potential clash with UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, Alexandre Pantoja did not hesitate to show admiration.
“I have a huge respect for Merab… Merab is a warrior man,” said Pantoja during UFC 317 media day. “He passed through everything like myself, and I really respect that.”
Both men share a similar path of grit and determination. From fighting in smaller promotions to climbing the UFC ladder, Pantoja and Dvalishvili have earned their reputations the hard way. Their fighting styles—relentless pressure, stamina, and heart—are eerily similar. That mutual respect has naturally sparked interest among fans in a potential face-off.
However, respect alone isn’t enough to warrant a fight, especially when divisional priorities are at stake.
#UFC314 Um dos melhores cards que eu ja vi!!! 👏👏
— Alexandre Pantoja (@Pantojamma) April 13, 2025
A Flyweight King Defending His Throne
For Pantoja, the immediate focus is defending his flyweight title. He captured the belt in July 2023 with a decision victory over Brandon Moreno in a thrilling war that earned Fight of the Night honors.
He then defended it against Steve Erceg at UFC 301, again going the distance in a closely contested bout.
Now, Pantoja is set to defend his crown against Kai Kara-France, a hard-hitting striker from New Zealand, on June 28. This co-main event at UFC 317 is one of the most anticipated flyweight bouts of the year.
“I have my division. I’m super excited for that division,” Pantoja emphasized. “There are a couple of new names coming.”
Indeed, the flyweight division is experiencing a resurgence. With contenders like Muhammad Mokaev, Amir Albazi, and Tatsuro Taira rising through the ranks, Pantoja has no shortage of challengers.
Alexandre Pantoja: The Merab Matchup
Dream or Distraction?
The idea of a Pantoja vs. Dvalishvili superfight has its allure. It would be a clash of cardio monsters, a battle of relentless pace and pressure, and a possible Fight of the Year contender.2
But there are several logistical and competitive obstacles. First, Dvalishvili is a bantamweight, and Pantoja has never fought above 125 pounds. Jumping to 135 would require Pantoja to add muscle and risk his championship status at flyweight.
Second, Dvalishvili is pursuing his own legacy. After defeating Petr Yan and Marlon “Chito” Vera in dominant fashion, he’s expected to challenge for the bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley later this year.
In that sense, both champions have business to handle in their respective divisions before a crossover fight could even be considered.
The Depth of Flyweight: More Than Just a Holding Pattern
While superfights generate headlines, Pantoja is more focused on something deeper: strengthening the flyweight division’s legacy.
After the division was nearly scrapped a few years ago, champions like Deiveson Figueiredo, Brandon Moreno, and now Pantoja have helped rebuild its credibility. The current depth is impressive, with talent both experienced and youthful.
“I want to fight the best in the world,” Pantoja reiterated, “but I’m more excited about my division right now.”
This mindset reflects a champion who wants to clean out his division before chasing bigger paydays or legacy fights. For Pantoja, it’s not about headlines—it’s about being the best in the weight class he’s dedicated his life to.
Kai Kara-France: The Immediate Threat
While fans and media discuss fantasy matchups, Pantoja is zeroed in on Kai Kara-France. The City Kickboxing standout is known for his knockout power, slick striking, and calm demeanor under pressure.
Although Kara-France has faced setbacks—most recently a controversial decision loss to Amir Albazi—he remains a dangerous contender.
His performance against Brandon Moreno for the interim title at UFC 277 showcased his durability and power before falling to a body kick.
Pantoja, who already holds a win over Kara-France from 2021, knows better than to underestimate him. “He’s grown a lot,” Pantoja admitted. “I’m not expecting the same fighter.”
This rematch adds another layer of intrigue. Can Kara-France even the score? Or will Pantoja cement his dominance in the division?
Alexandre Pantoja’s Legacy
Not Just About Belts
For Alexandre Pantoja, this phase of his career is about more than just holding gold—it’s about leaving a legacy.3
A veteran of The Ultimate Fighter, the Brazilian has been part of the UFC’s flyweight journey for years.
His gritty fighting style, humble attitude, and perseverance have made him a fan favorite among hardcore MMA followers. A win over Kara-France would mark his third straight title fight victory and could set up a long reign.
If he’s able to fend off the new wave of flyweights—fighters like Mokaev and Taira—Pantoja may eventually earn the right to chase greatness across divisions. But he’s in no rush.
Future Possibilities: Superfights Down the Line?
Despite his current focus, Pantoja didn’t close the door on a fight with Merab Dvalishvili.
“If I have an opportunity to fight with Merab, of course, I would accept,” he said, “but that’s not something I really look for right now.”
Should both men continue to dominate their divisions, the UFC might consider a champion vs. champion bout.
It wouldn’t be the first time the promotion staged such a fight to generate buzz. Think Henry Cejudo vs. T.J. Dillashaw, or Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev.
But for that to happen, timing, performance, and fan demand must all align.
Merab’s Perspective: A Fight He Might Entertain
From Dvalishvili’s side, there’s no public indication yet of his thoughts on fighting Pantoja. However, Merab has made it clear that he wants the best, and has long been frustrated at being overlooked.
Should he defeat Sean O’Malley and claim the bantamweight title, he might be open to such a superfight, especially if it cements his legacy.
His high-volume, wrestling-heavy style would present an interesting test for a savvy scrambler like Pantoja.
Until then, Dvalishvili’s focus will be on his own division and the politics that come with it.
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Merab Dvalishvili Talks Alexandre Pantoja
A Clash of Champions on the Horizon?
The UFC is no stranger to super fights between champions from different weight divisions.
Over the years, fans have been treated to some epic battles when titleholders from separate classes collide. And now, a new potential matchup is creating buzz — Merab Dvalishvili vs. Alexandre Pantoja.
Merab Dvalishvili, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, recently opened up about the idea of facing Alexandre Pantoja, who has firmly established himself as the king of the flyweight division.
In an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Dvalishvili didn’t shy away from the conversation, instead expressing respect for Pantoja and interest in a potential champion-vs-champion clash — provided Pantoja makes the leap to bantamweight.
Dvalishvili’s Own Path of Destruction at Bantamweight
While Pantoja has been busy ruling the flyweight division, Merab Dvalishvili has carved out his own legacy at bantamweight.
Known for his cardio, chain wrestling, and relentless pace, Dvalishvili has become one of the most difficult puzzles to solve inside the Octagon.
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Victory Over Sean O’Malley: In one of his biggest career highlights, Dvalishvili outworked and outwrestled the flashy O’Malley, who had come in riding high as a fan favorite and dynamic striker. Dvalishvili’s unrelenting pressure and positional dominance left no doubt about his legitimacy as champion.
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War with Umar Nurmagomedov: The matchup with Nurmagomedov was billed as a test of styles — grappling vs. grappling — and Dvalishvili proved that his experience, tenacity, and tactical discipline could overcome even the most technically refined opposition.
These wins have solidified his hold on the bantamweight division and positioned him as a possible candidate for champion-versus-champion fights.
Alexandre Pantoja’s Reign at Flyweight
A Dominant Streak
Alexandre Pantoja’s rise to the top has been a story of perseverance and evolution.
After claiming the flyweight title, he has managed to successfully defend his belt three consecutive times, a feat that few can boast in the competitive 125-pound division.
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Brandon Royval: In his first title defense, Pantoja displayed grit and composure against the dangerous Royval. Utilizing a relentless grappling attack and clinical control, he earned a clear-cut decision, solidifying his status as a true champion.
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Steve Erceg: Many saw Erceg as a dark horse in the division, but Pantoja’s ability to neutralize his offense proved crucial. Despite Erceg’s toughness, Pantoja’s superior timing and ground game overwhelmed him.
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Kai Asakura: Known for his explosive power and striking, Asakura posed a stylistic challenge. Yet again, Pantoja rose to the occasion, blending striking and wrestling to put together a complete performance.
Through these defenses, Pantoja has emerged as one of the most well-rounded and intelligent fighters in the UFC, often adjusting mid-fight and using a high fight IQ to navigate opponents with vastly different skillsets.
Could Pantoja Make the Jump to 135?
It’s not uncommon for flyweights to test the waters at bantamweight. Fighters like Henry Cejudo and Deiveson Figueiredo have done it with varying degrees of success. Pantoja, with his grappling pedigree and improved striking, certainly has the skillset to at least compete at 135.
However, the question remains: Would he carry enough size and power to hang with top-tier bantamweights like Dvalishvili? Bantamweight has a deeper and more physically imposing roster.
Fighters like Cory Sandhagen, Petr Yan, and Ricky Simón all present size and endurance challenges that Pantoja hasn’t yet faced at flyweight.
That said, if Pantoja wants to prove he’s not just the king of 125 but one of the pound-for-pound best in the world, moving up and challenging Dvalishvili would be the ultimate litmus test.
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UFC’s Take: Would Dana White Book It?
A champion vs. champion bout is always good for business. The UFC has used these super fights to draw major pay-per-view numbers — think McGregor vs. Alvarez, Cormier vs. Miocic, and Nunes vs. Shevchenko.
Dvalishvili vs. Pantoja might not have the same mainstream draw initially, but hardcore fans recognize the elite level of skill both fighters bring.
If the UFC senses strong fan interest — and if either division lacks a clear next contender — Dana White may be tempted to pull the trigger on this matchup.
Also worth noting is the landscape at both flyweight and bantamweight. If Pantoja clears out his division further, and Merab does the same, the UFC may have no better choice than to give them each other.
A Styles Matchup Worth Watching
From a technical perspective, this fight would be incredibly fascinating:
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Wrestling vs. Scrambling: Dvalishvili thrives on chain wrestling and control. Pantoja, on the other hand, is one of the best scramblers and submission artists at flyweight.
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Pace vs. Patience: Merab fights at a relentless pace, averaging an absurd number of takedown attempts per fight. Pantoja tends to be more composed, looking for openings and transitions. It would be interesting to see who sets the tempo.
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Cardio Wars: Both men are known for their gas tanks. This could be one of those rare five-round fights where neither guy slows down, leading to a war of attrition.
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