Pantoja makes a giant leap, leaves Volkanovski behind and finally enters the UFC's pound-for-pound top 5

Alexandre pantoja celebrates fourth defense of the UFC flyweight belt. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC

Protagonist of great victory in UFC 317, Alexandre pantoja returned to enchant the world after finishing off his old rival Kai Kara France in the third round of the fight. With this feat, the Brazilian became the current champion with the most title defenses (4) among all categories in the organization. Currently the flyweight record (up to 56,7 kg) belongs to Demetrious Johnson which lined up 11 challengers in a row.

Still in the octagon, the Brazilian celebrated his achievement and took advantage of the interview to send a message to the MMA community, demanding more respect for his skills and history of success in the flyweight division. The statement moved internet users and fans, who expressed their solidarity with Pantoja's moment.

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On Tuesday morning, the pound-for-pound ranking was updated, which is done by journalists chosen by the UFC. Formerly ranked 10th, Pantoja made a big leap among athletes and champions such as Alexander Volkanovsky, Magomed Ankalayev and took fifth place in the select group led by Ilia Topuria from now on.

Alexandre pantoja is currently ranked fifth in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC

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After retirement of Jon Jones, in an update carried out on June 24, Pantoja was surpassed by Tom aspinall, who has not yet defended himself as linear champion in the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg).

During an interview with the MMA Hoje channel, Marcos Parrumpa, the flyweight champion's coach, revealed that the recognition he received and his position in the pound-for-pound ranking bothered his pupil. Despite the situation, the coach assured that Pantoja used the fact as motivation to put on a great show in the UFC 317 and to claim an update on his real position among the greatest in Ultimate.

Current UFC pound-for-pound rankings

Alexandre pantoja is the new fifth place in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Photo: Reproduction/UFC