Alexandre Pantoja, the reigning UFC men’s flyweight champion, stands at a crossroads in his career. Having largely conquered his division, the question arises: what challenge awaits him next? While a move up to bantamweight might seem appealing, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker offers a cautionary perspective, particularly regarding a potential clash with the hypothetical bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili. Whittaker unequivocally believes that Dvalishvili possesses the tools to decisively defeat Pantoja, citing the Georgian’s relentless pace, superior wrestling, and overwhelming strength as insurmountable obstacles.
Dvalishvili’s extraordinary cardio, often considered unparalleled in the sport, would pose a significant challenge to Pantoja. While Pantoja himself possesses respectable endurance, Dvalishvili’s ability to maintain a ferocious pace for extended periods, coupled with his relentless takedown attempts and ground control, could prove too much for the Brazilian. This assessment draws heavily from Dvalishvili’s dominant performance against Petr Yan at UFC 311, where he showcased his unwavering stamina and relentless pressure. Furthermore, the size advantage that Dvalishvili would enjoy against Pantoja, a rarity in his usual bantamweight bouts, adds another layer to the predicted mismatch.
Standing an inch taller at 5’6″ and possessing a naturally thicker build, Dvalishvili would likely be the larger fighter in the Octagon, further amplifying his wrestling and strength advantage. This physical disparity could severely limit Pantoja’s offensive options, both in the striking and grappling departments. Given that even renowned strikers like Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan struggled to overcome Dvalishvili’s pressure and grappling, it seems unlikely that Pantoja, despite his technical prowess, would find much success on the feet.
While Pantoja’s submission skills are arguably superior to Dvalishvili’s, the latter’s wrestling proficiency and sheer power could neutralize any grappling advantages Pantoja might possess. Dvalishvili has demonstrated an ability to control opponents on the ground, limiting their offensive opportunities and dictating the pace of the fight. This combination of factors paints a bleak picture for Pantoja in a hypothetical matchup against Dvalishvili, suggesting that the flyweight champion might find himself overwhelmed by the Georgian’s relentless pressure and physical dominance.
This assessment leads to a broader consideration of Dvalishvili’s current standing within the bantamweight and even flyweight divisions. There are few, if any, fighters who seem well-equipped to handle Dvalishvili’s unique style. He has already defeated a significant portion of the top-ranked bantamweights, showcasing his dominance over diverse fighting styles. This raises questions about the viability of Pantoja’s ambitions for a second championship belt, particularly if Dvalishvili remains the dominant force at bantamweight.
Meanwhile, Pantoja’s own flyweight division continues to bustle with activity. He recently defended his title against Kai Asakura at UFC 310 in December 2024, a victory that further solidified his position at the top of the division. While a dream match against the retired Demetrious Johnson was quickly dismissed by Johnson himself, Pantoja has a plethora of potential challengers lining up for a shot at the title. Rising contenders like Tatsuro Taira, Asu Almabayev, and Tagir Ulabekov represent the new guard, while established veterans like Brandon Royval, Brandon Moreno, and Kai Kara-France are eager to reclaim their former glory.
Looking ahead to the next UFC card, while no flyweight bouts are scheduled, several exciting matchups await fight fans. The middleweight division takes center stage with Israel Adesanya defending his title against Nassourdine Imavov, and a highly anticipated clash between Sharabutdin Magomedov and Michael Page. Heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik are also set to collide in a potential title eliminator. Further down the card, several intriguing bouts across various weight classes promise exciting action, ensuring a night of thrilling combat. This diverse lineup underscores the UFC’s ongoing commitment to showcasing talent across all divisions, providing a platform for both established stars and rising prospects to make their mark.
