Alexandre Pantoja’s rise to the top of the UFC flyweight division has been marked by grit, elite grappling, and an unrelenting will to win. Long considered one of the most dangerous threats in the division, the Brazilian finally captured gold and has since proven himself a worthy champion with multiple high-level title defenses. As he prepares to defend his belt once again—this time against New Zealand striker Kai Kara-France at UFC 317—Pantoja enters the Octagon with momentum and confidence. Let’s look back at the three standout performances that define his championship reign.

1. War for the Belt – UFC 290: Pantoja vs. Moreno

At UFC 290, Pantoja claimed the undisputed UFC flyweight title in a five-round classic against Brandon Moreno, winning a razor-close split decision in one of the year’s most thrilling fights. From the start, the bout was fought at a breakneck pace. Pantoja dropped Moreno early in Round 1 and imposed his will with aggressive grappling, particularly in the later rounds where he secured back control and crucial takedowns.

Moreno responded with sharp boxing and fluid movement, landing clean jabs, head kicks, and combinations in Rounds 2 and 3. Both fighters displayed championship-level cardio and toughness, exchanging momentum throughout. Ultimately, Pantoja’s control time, submission threats, and timely ground work swayed the judges, earning him the victory with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 46-49. The fight was immediately hailed as a Fight of the Year candidate and marked the beginning of Pantoja’s reign at the top.

2. Dominant Defense – UFC 296: Pantoja vs. Royval II

Pantoja made his first successful title defense at UFC 296 with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Brandon Royval. Coming into the rematch already holding a previous win over Royval, Pantoja executed a suffocating game plan built around relentless grappling and top control. He opened strong with a blend of low kicks, right hands, and early takedowns that immediately put Royval on the defensive.

Throughout the fight, Pantoja controlled position on the mat, repeatedly threatening submissions and maintaining mount or back control for extended periods. While Royval showed heart and rallied with clean strikes in Round 5, Pantoja’s dominance on the ground proved insurmountable. Judges scored the fight 50-45 (twice) and 49-46 in favor of the champion, who once again showcased his world-class grappling and composure under pressure.

3. Slick Submission – UFC 310: Pantoja vs. Asakura

At UFC 310, Pantoja defended his flyweight crown for the third time, submitting promotional newcomer Kai Asakura in the second round. The bout started competitively, with both men trading leg kicks, clinch strikes, and bursts of aggression. Pantoja dictated pace and positioning in the opening frame, using cage control and scrambling to keep Asakura guessing.

In Round 2, Pantoja’s grappling brilliance took over. He took Asakura’s back in a standing transition, dragged the fight to the mat, and locked in a tight body triangle. From there, it was a methodical march toward the finish. Pantoja patiently worked for the rear-naked choke and eventually rendered Asakura unconscious at 2:05 of the second round. The victory improved his record to 29-5 and extended his reign of dominance, capped by a post-fight callout of flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson.