Former UFC title challenger fumes at Alexandre Pantoja's updated P4P ranking after win over Kai Asakura: "THE LEVEL OF DISRESPECT"
Alexandre Pantoja has moved just two spots up in the pound-for-pound rankings following his win over Kai Asakura. Now, former welterweight UFC title challenger Gilbert Burns has reacted in dismay.
Pantoja delivered an amazing performance to defend his belt for the third time. He clashed with Japanese star Asakura in the main event of UFC 310 and made it look easy, stopping him in the second round via rear-naked choke.
Despite this spectacular performance, Pantoja only moved up from No. 11 to No. 0 in the men's pound-for-pound rankings in the updated standings following UFC 310.
The P4P order has been a heated topic of discussion this year, even receiving criticism from UFC CEO Dana White. One user shared the updated rankings on X, bringing it to Burns' attention.
The Brazilian shared the tweet, slamming the rankings and expressing that it's better but not enough:
“THE LEVEL OF DISRESPECT!! BETTER BUT NOT ENOUGH!! YOUR THOUGHTS.”
The win over Asakura extended ‘The Cannibal's' MMA record to 29-5 and marked his seventh consecutive victory.
Demetrious Johnson responds to Alexandre Pantoja's callout
In the octagon interview following his win at UFC 310, Alexandre Pantoja was asked by Joe Rogan about his next opponent. Pantoja called out flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson for a fight.
Johnson, who retired from the sport in September this year, is believed to still be under contract with ONE Championship.
Johnson, widely regarded as the best flyweight, spoke on his YouTube channel and expressed that he has no desire to step back into the octagon. He stated that he is happily retired and also shared his happiness for Pantoja’s win:
“Guys I’m retired. I have no interest to fight anymore. I’m so happy for Alex Pantoja. I’m happy he got his third title defense. I’m so happy for him."
He continued:
“I am not the best flyweight in the world anymore. My Black ass is retired and I’m happily retired. I ain’t going to be no motherf*cking Jose Aldo. I ain’t going to be no motherf*cking Donald Cerrone coming back to fight. There ain’t no point to coming back to fight. What am I going to prove when I come back to f*cking fight?”
Check out Demetrious Johnson’s comments below: