Alexandre Pantoja calls out Demetrious Johnson after putting Kai Asakura to sleep in UFC 310 main event
12/08/2024 01:29 AM
Alexandre Pantoja left no doubt that he's the best flyweight in the world with another stunning performance in the UFC 310 main event.
Much was made about Kai Asakura coming into the promotion and getting a title shot in his first fight but Pantoja proved there are levels to the game after he thoroughly dominated the former RIZIN champion. Following a strong opening round, Pantoja secured a takedown to start the second and quickly wrapped up the fight-ending rear-naked choke.
Despite his best efforts to break free, Asakura eventually succumbed to the submission as he went to sleep with the referee pulling Pantjoa off at the 2:05 mark in the second round.
"This is the level, the UFC level that's here so high," Pantoja said following his third consecutive title defense. "You think some Japanese [fighter] going to come here and take my belt? No. When the octagon is locked, this is my town, this is my city."
While Pantoja ultimately made short work of him, Asakura flashed plenty of confidence to start the fight as he came out firing right away and actually caught Pantoja with a couple of stiff shots but the Brazilian was relentless dragging the fight to the ground. Despite his best attempts to maintain control, Pantoja couldn't keep Asakura underneath him as the flyweights scrambled back to the feet.
From there, Asakura started to explode forward with some hard, heavy punches but Pantoja was seemingly happy to trade bombs with him. While Pantoja stayed coiled like a spring, Pantoja continued to attack and he even cracked the former RIZIN champion hard to the body with a nasty kick.
The pace never slowed from Pantoja as he transitioned from his striking attacks to another takedown, this time just jumping on Asakura's back as the fighters hit the floor.
Pantoja was surgical as he sliced through Asakura's defense before eventually sinking his arm under the chin to secure the rear naked choke. While he had to make a couple of adjustments, Pantjoa knew he had the finish after finally locking up the submission with Asakura falling limp just a few seconds later.
With this latest win, Pantoja further cements his place atop the 125-pound division but without a bevy of new contenders lined up to face him, he instead turned his attention to the greatest flyweight of all time.
"He doesn't fight anymore. He retired this year. But this is something for you Demetrious Johnson," Pantoja shouted. "I'm the GOAT here. If you want to prove you're the GOAT, come back."
While it seems highly unlikely Johnson — who is still under contract to ONE Championship — would even consider a return to action, Pantoja took his shot without a clear cut opponent currently awaiting him in the UFC.
