Megan Olivi reacts to Alexandre Pantoja tying UFC flyweight record alongside husband Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson
UFC analyst and interviewer Megan Olivi recently voiced her take on Alexandre Pantoja touching the record of Demetrious Johnson and her husband, Joseph Benavidez. Olivi was delighted to witness the name of Benavidez among the two other great UFC flyweights.
Pantoja earned his third consecutive title defense with a victory over the UFC debutant Kai Asakura at UFC 310. 'The Cannibal' showcased his mastery in both the striking and grappling departments during the fight. A flying knee from Asakura hurt him in the initial minutes of the fight. However, Pantoja came back strong to sting Asakura multiple times in the first round.
Shortly after the beginning of the second stanza, Pantoja secured his signature back mount over his standing rival, driving Asakura to the ground. He took only a few seconds more to submit his rival with a rear-naked choke and defend his flyweight title for the third time.
A recent Instagram update from ESPN MMA revealed that Pantoja also touched the record for the most flyweight victories in UFC (13) with his win over Asakura. Previously, this record was jointly held by Johnson and Benavidez. The post's caption read:
"ELITE COMPANY š Alexandre Pantoja has 13 UFC flyweight wins, tied for the most in UFC history with Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez #UFC310".
Olivi's comment on the post showcased that she was pleased about her husband still holding a UFC record after more than three years of his retirement from MMA. She penned:
"ā¤ļø Joeyyyyyyy"
![Megan Olivi's comment [Screenshot courtesy: @espnmma on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9a3c8-17337737315877-1920.jpg?w=500)
Demetrious Johnson turned down Alexandre Pantoja's UFC 310 callout
Demetrious Johnson declared his retirement from MMA on Sept. 6 this year, concluding a shining career. Johnson is widely considered to be among the greatest fighters ever to walk into the octagon, with 11 consecutive flyweight title defenses in the premier MMA promotion of the world.
Pantoja paid homage to Johnson during his octagon interview with Joe Rogan. However, he also challenged Johnson's GOAT status by proclaiming himself the new GOAT. The Brazilian also expressed his wish to lock horns with Johnson during his interview.
However, 'Mighty Mouse' recently turned down Pantoja's offer in a recent video on his own YouTube channel:
"Guys Iām retired. I have no interest to fight anymore. Iām so happy for Alex Pantoja. Iām happy he got his third title defense. Iām so happy for him..."
Johnson also mentioned that he was living a happy life with the money he was earning from his ventures after returning and hence had no plans to revisit the octagon:
"The beautiful thing what made me want to retire is that I don't want to rely on my body or me being the best in the world in order to pay my bills, and invest, and build my Empireā¦ I am not the best flyweight in the world anymore and Iām happily retired. I aināt going to be no motherf**king Jose Aldo. I aināt going to be no motherf**king Donald Cerrone coming back to fight. There aināt no point to coming back to fight.
Check out Demetrious Johnson's words below(12:40):