Alexandre Pantoja Says He’d Be Honored To Fight Demetrious Johnson

Alexandre Pantoja says it might be an “honor” to combat Demetrious Johnson — if Mighty Mouse ever have been to return to the UFC — a man he is regarded as much as for years, out and in of the cage!

TMZ Sports activities talked to 33-year-old Pantoja, the UFC’s flyweight champion, forward of his first title protection in opposition to Brandon Royval at UFC 296 on Saturday (extra on that in only a minute) … however we additionally talked about DJ.

“For me, if I have the opportunity to train with Demetrious Johnson it’s gonna be awesome for me. If I think about fighting him it’s gonna be like heaven. I have respect for him. He’s one of the best guys fighting in the world fighting pound-for-pound,” Pantoja stated of the ONE champ.

However, it isn’t nearly Johnson’s exploits within the cage … it is about how he conducts himself as an individual, too.

“He’s a family guy. He’s a very good example for me. Not just for me, for everyone. He cares about his kids. He cares about his wife. Don’t make mistakes, don’t make trash talk. Don’t try to go to the media with fake news. He is a true warrior and true man and family guy. A very good example of what this world needs right now.”

That is about the perfect praise an individual might get from a peer.

As for what a combat would appear like between the champs … we requested Alexandre, and he answered with a Dragon Ball Z comparability.

In fact, the 125 lb. division was on life help for years … however because of guys like Pantoja, Brandon Moreno, and Deiveson Figueiredo (who has moved as much as bantamweight), who constructed upon what DJ began, the flyweight division is flourishing.

For those who want proof … Pantoja and Royval are the co-main occasion on one of many 12 months’s most anticipated playing cards.

There’s extra with Alexandre … who breaks down the matchup with Brandon, and whereas it is clear AP has a ton of respect for BR, he would not plan on giving up his belt come Saturday night time!

We additionally talked to Royval … who tells us why he is the perfect on the earth and soon-to-be UFC Flyweight champ!