Alexandre Pantoja: A Gracious Champion

Alexandre Pantoja sees his success as a testament to those who invested time, money, energy and expertise in his mixed martial arts career many moons ago.

“The seed that was planted when I was very young is bearing fruit,” he told Sherdog.com. “Many people helped along the way, making that seed grow into a solid tree. I’m very happy with what I’ve achieved thanks to those people. They didn’t let me give up. They helped it all happen. They’re still by my side, and their happiness motivates me to continue. I still want to prove myself. I want to see how far I can go.”

Pantoja will put his undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight title on the line when he confronts Steve Erceg in the UFC 301 headliner this Saturday at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The 34-year-old Brazilian enters his latest assignment on the strength of a five-fight winning streak. Pantoja last fought at UFC 296, where he laid claim to a five-round unanimous decision over Brandon Royval in their Dec. 16 rematch. He views Erceg as a viable threat.

“Erceg is a very tough fighter,” Pantoja said. “He’s big and strong for our weight class. He’s also young. He’s one of the new generation of guys coming to MMA. I’m getting ready harder than usual, especially since we’ll be fighting in my home. I want to put on a great show for everyone. I’m confident that Erceg deserves this shot. I’m training very hard for my fight. I’m still evolving.”

Erceg, 28, has rattled off 11 consecutive victories, the last three of them in the UFC. The well-rounded Australian nailed down his title shot in March, when he punched out Matt Schnell in the second round of their UFC Fight Night 238 pairing. Erceg has secured eight of his 12 professional wins by knockout, technical knockout or submission.

“I always talk about how tough the flyweight division is,” Pantoja said. “Without a doubt, any Top 10 guy can bring a difficult challenge to the champion. I’ll make sure I do everything in my power to remain the world champion.”

Pantoja continues to operate out of the famed American Top Team camp in Coconut Creek, Florida, where he enjoys daily access to world-class coaches and sparring partners.

“Training there is what made it possible for me to become the UFC champion,” he said. “Once I set foot in the academy after my fights, I don’t see myself as the champ. I have to chase after my goals all over again so I can recapture the belt on May 4. My training partners are a big help. They have high expectations of me. They beat me up every day. My coaches know me very well. We’re living through a great period together. They know how hard we have to work to bring home the victory.”

Now recognized as one of the Top 10 pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC, Pantoja concedes his life has changed since he dethroned Brandon Moreno and captured the flyweight crown in July.

“The best part of making more money, now that I’m the champ, is having more time for my family,” he said. “Two years ago, I was an Uber driver, and my wife also needed to work. We didn’t get to enjoy much time with each other or with our children. I see this additional money as giving that time. It was the best part of becoming champion.”