Alexandre Pantoja shares exciting update on his next fight: “A name no one expects"
Alexandre Pantoja will return to the octagon within the coming months, according to the flyweight champion. He successfully defended his belt against Steve Erceg at UFC 301 via decision, and there have been calls for the pair to clash in a rematch due to the competitive nature of their bout.
Pantoja is currently in Las Vegas, Nevada, for UFC International Fight Week, which will see UFC 303 headlined by his countryman Alex Pereira - who will face Jiri Prochazka in a short-notice fight for the light heavyweight title.
While on the red carpet for his attendance of the UFC's Hall of Fame ceremony, held on June 27, the flyweight champion was asked about his potential return to action.
He shared an exciting update with fans, and said this:
"Yeah the UFC has already spoken to me, we expect something in two or three months, we'll have a fight. I can't say anything right now, but it's going to be huge for everyone, and a name that no one expects. I'm super happy about the [opponent], it's very good for my career. It's huge for me."
Watch Alexandre Pantoja's interview below (5:10):
Alexandre Pantoja calls for Alex Pereira to fight Jon Jones
Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka are set to headline UFC 303 on June 29 on short-notice after Conor McGregor, one half of the original main event, withdrew from the pay-per-view due to an injury.
The pair will face-off in a highly anticipated rematch of their UFC 295 clash, with two of the most exciting strikers in the light heavyweight division scheduled to go to war over 25 minutes.
Whilst previewing his fellow countryman's upcoming title defense, Alexandre Pantoja stated that he backed 'Poatan' to become the first UFC three-division champion.
With heavyweight champion Jon Jones having previously shared interest in a clash with Pereira, the flyweight champion has supported the fight being made, saying this during his aforementioned interview:
"I expect Pereira to go to heavyweight. If [there is] one guy can take three belts in the UFC, it's Alex 'Poatan' Pereira. I want him to fight Jon Jones. That's the fight I want the UFC to make. Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira, that's the big fight everyone wants to watch... I don't know if Jon Jones can stand up with striking like 'Poatan' [has]. Maybe [Jones] will try go to the ground. But I believe 'Poatan' can do it." [2:35-3:15]