After the flyweight deadlock that was the Moreno vs Figueiredo tetralogy, one elite 125-pounder feels he’s next in line for the title shot. Alexandre Pantoja boasts two victories over the freshly minted flyweight champ Brandon Moreno, and even told Trocação Franca that he feels “sorry” for Moreno for repeatedly elbowing the Mexican fighter in the face on his way to victory.
“It was a super tough fight, brother. There was a moment I landed and elbow on his face, that was the only time I felt sorry to be beating someone because we were both there for our families, for everybody. I landed the elbow and he’s bleeding, that’s the only time in my life that I thought about it during a fight. I was like, ‘F*ck, this guy is willing to die here, brother.’ And he was. I was hurting him and he was trying [to recover].”
Pantoja “Sorry” For Elbowing Moreno In the Face
Pantoja also objected to the narrative around backstage altercation at UFC 283 in which Moreno painted him as the villain, when he was simply trying to line up a trilogy bout against the champ.
“I was a little upset about that. I was working. This is entertainment. I went there because I felt obligated as a UFC employee, I had to do something, to make an appearance, to create something, but I respect Moreno a lot. I’ve known Moreno for a long time, we had a nice exchange on TUF and that’s what matters to me.
I have a ton of respect for him, the family he’s built, his wife and kids, so when I go there to congratulate him and also work, of course, I’m not being disrespectful or trying to take anything away from his moment. It saddens me that he thinks this way.
Of course that I’m going to ask him when we’re going to fight. Let’s fight next month? In two months? Tell me know much time you need. And [his team] was like, ‘Get out of here, let him enjoy his moment.’ F*ck you, man. I wasn’t being disrespectful, that’s not who I am. I don’t want Moreno to put me on this villain role like I was trying to ruin his moment.
And honestly, let’s be clear here, he lost twice to me. I could say he was afraid of me, that he’s afraid of fighting me, but I doubt it, man. The Mexican people are strong. He’s a great athlete and has shown incredible evolution against Deiveson Figueiredo. I really want Brendon Moreno to come a better fighter, in his prime.”
Do you think Brandon Moreno will have it in him to defeat Alexandre Pantoja this time around? Let us know in the comments.
