Alexandre Pantoja is a Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist who fought in The Ultimate Fighter (TUF)and has participated in fights in the Flyweight category of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).On 8 July 2023, he became the UFC Flyweight Champion. In 2023, he was ranked 9th in the UFC’s men’s pound-for-pound list.
Wiki/Biography
Alexandre Pantoja Passidomo (Portuguese name has two parts: the first is “Pantoja” from the mother’s side, and the second is “Passidomo” from the father’s side) was born on Monday, 16 April 1990 (age 33 years; as of 2023) in Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His zodiac sign is Aries. From a young age, Alexandre Pantoja faced many challenges. After his father left the family, his mother took the responsibility of raising him and his two brothers by herself. Pantoja took up various roles such as a waiter, delivery guy, cab driver, and boat crew member in order to help his family financially. After realising his actual dream and his aspiration to pursue a career in MMA, he began his training at 14 and followed his dream.
I drive Uber, I did some Jiu-Jitsu tournaments to help, and after the fight with Royval, one week before that fight I’m delivering Uber Eats.”
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 5″
Weight (approx.): 57 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Body Measurements (approx.): Chest: 42″, Waist: 30″, Biceps: 14″
Family
Pantoja belongs to a Latino descent Portuguese-speaking Brazilian.
Parents & Siblings
Alexandre’s father, Daniel Pantoja, abandoned him and his mother, Ester Pantoja, at a young age. His mother worked as a homemaker and raised the three children by herself. After winning a major fight, Pantoja said,
What I say in the cage is something like I just want the love of my dad, you know. I just want like feel him. In the week of the fight, I think about call to my dad and to cover all the scares because when I go to the fight, I want to make like a beautiful moment and I don’t have more bad times.”
Daniel Pantoja
Alexandre and his mother, Ester
He has 2 elder brothers, Beto Pantoja, and Gustavo Pantoja.
Alexandre and his brother
Alexandre with his brother
Wife & Children
He proposed to her in the ring after winning a fight and later got married to her.
Alexandre proposing to marriage in a ring
Alexandre’s wife, Gabryella Pantoja
They have two children, Nicolas Pantoja, who was born on 26 March 2014, and Cauã Pantoja, who was born on 11 February 2011. In an interview he said,
I’m a daddy now, I’d do everything for my kids, I do everything for my family, and I’d give my life for my two kids.” 1
Nicolas Pantoja and Cauã Pantoja
Relationship/Affairs
Alexandre and Gabryella Pantoja began dating in 2008. The couple got married later.
Alexandre and Gabryella Gouvêa in 2008
Signature/Autograph
Alexandre Pantoja’s autograph
Career
The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions
On 11 May 2016, the UFC revealed that the upcoming season of TUF would feature 16 flyweight champion fighters from global organizations. The winner would potentially face Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight title. The participant list was disclosed on 20 July 2016. Coaches for the season were previous flyweight title contenders, Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo. Pantoja was selected for Team Cejudo. He held the top position in Team Cejudo and had his debut fight against Brandon Moreno, who was ranked #16 in Team Benavidez. In the match, Pantoja secured a win against Moreno with a second-round submission, sending him to the reality show’s quarterfinals. In an interview he said,
I’m going to smash Brandon Moreno. I like when Khabib said that to Conor McGregor: “I’m going to smash your boy. That’s what’s going to happen on July 8. I come for complete domination.”
Pantoja claims the Win over Brandon Moreno
In the quarterfinals, he went up against his Team Cejudo teammate, Kai Kara-France. Pantoja won by a unanimous decision and advanced to the semifinals. There, Alexandre fought against Hiromasa Ougikubo but was defeated by a unanimous decision. Following this, it was announced that Pantoja had secured a contract with the UFC.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Kai Kara France
Alexandre Pantoja vs Hiromasa Ogikubo
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Alexandre Pantoja began his UFC journey with a promotional debut on 28 January 2017, at the UFC on Fox 23 event. In a closely contested match, he secured a victory against Eric Shelton through a split decision. His winning streak continued, and on 16 July 2017, at UFC Fight Night 113, he faced Neil Seery and won with a submission in the third round.
The face-off between Eric Shelton and Alexandre Pantoja
However, his winning streak broke on 20 January 2018, at UFC 220 when he fought against Dustin Ortiz and faced a unanimous decision loss. Pantoja faced Brandon Moreno on 19 May 2018 at UFC Fight Night 129 and secured a unanimous decision victory. He took on Ulka Sasaki at UFC Fight Night 140 on 17 November 2018. Pantoja dominated the match, finishing Sasaki with a rear naked choke submission in the opening round.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Dustin Ortiz
On 13 April 2019, at UFC 236, Pantoja faced Wilson Reis, finishing the fight with a first-round TKO. He was defeated by Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 240 on 27 July 2019. Despite giving a spirited performance, Pantoja suffered a unanimous decision loss. Due to his great performance during the fight, Pantoja was awarded the “Fight of the Night.”
Alexandre wins UFC 236 against Wilson Reis
On 21 December 2019, at UFC Fight Night 165, he secured a first-round knockout victory against Matt Schnell. This fight earned him the “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Matt Schnell
On 19 July 2020, at UFC Fight Night 172, he fought against Askar Askarov and faced a unanimous decision loss.
Alexandre Pantoja vs Askar Askarov
Pantoja was set to face the former Rizin FF Rizin FF Bantamweight champion, Manel Kape, on 19 December 2020, at UFC Fight Night 183. After an unexpected delay, the fight took place on 6 February 2021, at UFC Fight Night 184, where Pantoja claimed victory through a unanimous decision. His winning streak continued when he fought against Brandon Royval on 21 August 2021, at UFC on ESPN 29, and he secured a victory via a rear naked choke in the second round, earning another “Performance of the Night” bonus. After winning the fight, he said,
That’s about sacrifice for me. I won the fight with Manel (Kape) and used the money as down payment for the house, and bringing my family back was the most important for myself. Money was short, and my wife started to clean houses, and I started to drive Uber Eats. But I’d do this again if I needed, you know? It’s not just about myself, this is about my family and my kids, my two boys. One week before the fight, I’m delivering Uber Eats, it’s raining and I’m sick.” 2
Alexandre Pantoja vs Manel Kape
Despite being scheduled to compete for the UFC flyweight title, Pantoja faced an unexpected setback due to a knee injury. Nevertheless, he made a notable comeback against Alex Perez on 30 July 2022 at UFC 277, securing a win with a neck crank submission in the opening round. This victory earned him his third “Performance of the Night” bonus. After his victory over Alex Perez at UFC 277, Pantoja was ranked as the world’s second-best flyweight fighter. This achievement led him to face Brandon Moreno for the Flyweight Championship title at UFC 290.
On 8 July 2023 at UFC 290, Pantoja contended against Brandon Moreno for the UFC Flyweight Championship. After an intense match, Pantoja won with a split decision, winning the championship. He also received the “Fight of the Night” award. In this highly anticipated rematch, the result of Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja gave significant controversy among MMA fans and experts. While Pantoja was declared the winner by split decision, many believe that Moreno had the upper hand throughout the fight and deserved the victory. Social media platforms were flooded with debates, with some claiming potential biases in the judgment. The UFC is yet to comment on the uproar, but this decision will likely remain a talking point in MMA circles for a long time. 3
Brandon Moreno vs Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290
Awards/Titles/Achievements
Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Flyweight Championship (One time; 8 July 2023)
Pantoja’s RFA title belt
- Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno
- Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Matt Schnell, Brandon Royval, and Alex Perez
- Tied (Joseph Benavidez & Brandon Moreno) for third-most finishes in the UFC Flyweight division history
MMAJunkie.com
- 2019 July Fight of the Month vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Pantoja defends his title
Alexandre’s Shooto Title Belt
Tattoos
He has a complete sleeve tattoo on his left arm which represents a dragon. On his right leg, he has a flower-like pattern tattoo.
Alexandre’s tattoos
Favourites
- Sport: Soccer
- Holiday destination: Beaches
Facts/Trivia
- Due to his reputation as the finisher, he is also referred to as “The Cannibal” in the UFC.
- In one of his interviews after winning the Flyweight Title, Alexandre gave an emotional speech with reference to how people would love him and send love to his parents, which flooded the internet with love and support for the fighter and is regarded as one of the most emotional speeches in the UFC.
- Alexandre owns a brown pitbull named Bonie, and a black rottweiler dog, named Nike.
Alexandre’s pitbull
Alexandre’s family dog
- Alexandre loves to spend time with family. They like to travel to different places and enjoy fun activities on beaches and pools.
Pantoja and his family at Disney Land
A picture of Alexandre spending time with his family at the beach
- He usually takes a healthy diet, which includes his supplements and non-vegetarian food.
Alexandre’s diet
- Alexandre has his own house in Coconut Creek, Florida where he lives with his family.
