LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 16, 2023: Alexandre Pantoja of Brazil awaits the judges decision in the UFC | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
What is next for Alexandre Pantoja at flyweight?
Questions have been asked surrounding the next matchup for UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja after the divisions #1 ranked contender Brandon Royval was announced to face #6 ranked Manel Kape for a Fight Night main event on March 1st.
Pantoja, who has held the flyweight belt since July 2023 at UFC 290 after a classic five round battle with Brandon Moreno, has defended his title three times in 16 months, most recently against former RIZIN flyweight champion and Japanese kickboxer Kai Asakura at UFC 310 earlier in December, with Pantoja getting a submission win in the second round.
During his post-fight interview, Pantoja called out former UFC and ONE flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson to come out of retirement and face the current champion. Johnson swiftly responded and declined the offer, putting out a video statement explaining the reasons behind his decision on YouTube: “I’m not the best flyweight in the world anymore… I’m happily retired, and I’m not going to be like Jose Aldo or Donald Cerrone, coming back to fighting.” With Johnson seeming firm on his decision, it is clear we can put this potential super fight to bed.
Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape
Royval versus Kape has been the latest title contender matchup for 2025 to be made. There is plenty of confusion stirring up regarding the flow of the division after Royval edged out undefeated prospect Tatsuro Taira in a split decision back in October. That fight seemed like a title eliminating matchup and many thought the winner would be the next opponent for Pantoja.
Kape has also been in the headlines recently after a masterful performance at UFC Tampa earlier in December when he defeated Bruno Silva via third round KO, immediately talking to UFC President Dana White regarding a title fight in 2025.
Both fighters called out the champion after their wins, with Kape saying in his post-fight interview: “I’m the next against Pantoja. There are levels to do this sh*t, and I am the one who can destroy Pantoja.”
Royval also made a clear statement on what he wanted next being the #1 contender in the division, saying no matter the outcome of UFC 310, he would fight the champion in either of their home countries: “Kai Asakura, I’m going to Japan and I’m taking that sh*t. Pantoja wins it, I’m going to Brazil and I’m taking that sh*t. Title shot next, that is the only discussion.”

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Next up for Pantoja?
With a super fight versus Demetrious Johnson seemingly out of sight, the only viable option for the flyweight champion at the moment is likely #4 ranked Kai-Kara France, who got a performance of the night bonus after a first round TKO win against Steve Erceg at UFC 305 in August. Erceg was a former title challenger who went the distance against Pantoja in June back at UFC 301 and lost in a close fight that many people believe Erceg won, despite coming in as a huge underdog.
Kara-France competed for the interim championship in a rematch versus Brandon Moreno in July 2022 at UFC 277, ultimately losing in the third round after a vicious body kick followed with a barrage of punches from Moreno.
MMA Junkie | USA Today
Options for 2025
After a seemingly flawless performance against Asakura at UFC 310, Pantoja is looking to further extend his legacy as an all time great at 125, with plenty of options at his disposal:
- Winner of Royval/Kape
- Kai Kara-France
- Demetrious Johnson or Legacy Fights
With 2025 looming upon the horizon, could we see Pantoja solidify himself as an all-time great amongst UFC champions? Or could a shocking upset redefine the landscape of the flyweight division?