Alexandre Pantoja says news of next UFC title defense is imminent

LOS ANGELES – UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has teased potential fight news.

Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) is fresh off his third title defense last month at UFC 310 where he submitted former Rizin champion Kai Asakura in the second round at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pantoja already appears to have his next title fight in the works, and the American Top Team standout hopes he can compete April 12 at UFC 314 from Kaseya Center in Miami.

“I think I’ll have a fight scheduled real soon,” Pantoja told MMA Junkie. “I really tried to jump in Miami in April. I live in Miami, I live in Florida, and that’s a huge opportunity for me. Make a fight in my hometown right now, that’s going to be very special. I have a lot of training to do, a lot of work to do, but that’s something I really want.”

With Pantoja having cleared out the majority of the top contenders in his division, it’s mostly rematches and trilogies that await him – hence why his most recent title defense came against an octagon newcomer.

“What I did in my division, I opened possibilities for everyone,” Pantoja said. “I feel super glad to do that. Everybody has a chance in my division. I fought No. 1, No. 2, and then top 10, then someone from another promotion. I’m thinking in this division, anything can happen. Let’s see.”