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Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has expressed confidence in Alexandre Pantoja's ability to bring stability to the UFC's flyweight division following Pantoja's impressive performance at UFC 296.
Pantoja, known as 'The Cannibal,' secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Brandon Royval in the co-main event, marking his first title defense since becoming the flyweight champion. Johnson, who now holds the ONE Championship flyweight title, believes that Pantoja has the potential to end the division's trend of frequent title changes.
In an interview, Johnson praised Pantoja's well-rounded skill set, highlighting his grappling prowess and durability. He emphasized that while some may only recently be taking notice of Pantoja's talent, he has long recognized the Brazilian's abilities.
Despite acknowledging Pantoja's early reign as champion, Johnson pointed out that Pantoja has been a seasoned fighter for a significant period. However, he believes that Pantoja has the qualities necessary to bring stability to the division.
Johnson also offered insights into Pantoja's fighting style, noting that Royval could have capitalized more on his grappling skills during their fight. He emphasized Pantoja's resilience and suggested that a strategic shift in Royval's approach might have yielded different results.
In considering Pantoja's potential longevity in the sport, Johnson highlighted the challenges of maintaining a championship reign over an extended period. He emphasized the importance of factors beyond fighting skills, such as mindset and overall health, in sustaining a successful career.
Looking ahead, Johnson expressed anticipation for Pantoja's future fights and his impact on the flyweight division. He believes that Pantoja's complete skill set and experience make him a formidable force in the division and looks forward to seeing who he will face next.