Alexandre Pantoja “The Cannibal”
Flyweight · Brazil · UFC
Submission-savvy grappler with relentless pace
Scrambles into back-takes and rear-naked chokes
Record & stats
| Division | Flyweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | MMA |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Nationality | Brazil |
| Born | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Team | American Top Team |
| Pro debut | 2007 |
| Height | 165cm5′5″ |
| Reach | 173cm5′8″ |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 36 |
| KO rate | 67% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
67% Finish rate- 8 KO/TKO · 27%
- 12 Submission · 40%
- 10 Decision · 33%
Recent results
- Lvs Joshua Van 🏆Van def. Pantoja — unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 50-45), 2nd title defence
Auto-linked from KIAI's event coverage — updated as fights are decided.
Titles & honors
- Former UFC Flyweight Champion
Biography
Alexandre Pantoja is a Brazilian flyweight and former UFC champion celebrated for his grappling and finishing instinct. A black belt who trains at American Top Team, he owns the most submissions in UFC flyweight history.
Pantoja captured the Flyweight title by edging Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 (2023), then defended against contenders including Brandon Royval, Kai Asakura (rear-naked choke, UFC 310) and Kai Kara-France (submission, UFC 317).
At UFC 323 in December 2025 his reign ended unusually — he dislocated his elbow in the opening seconds against Joshua Van and could not continue. Reports indicated no major structural damage and a return targeted for mid-2026. Now 30-6, the well-rounded "Cannibal" remains a marquee flyweight aiming to reclaim the belt.
Fight history
- LJoshua VanL TKO R1
- WKai AsakuraW SUB R2
FAQ
- Is Pantoja still UFC flyweight champion?
- No. He lost the flyweight title to Joshua Van at UFC 323 in December 2025 after dislocating his elbow early in the bout.
- What is Alexandre Pantoja's record?
- Alexandre Pantoja is 30-6 as of June 2026.
- What is Pantoja best known for?
- He holds the most submission wins in UFC flyweight history, excelling at scrambles, back-takes and rear-naked chokes.
- Did Pantoja beat Kai Asakura?
- Yes. He submitted Kai Asakura by rear-naked choke at UFC 310 in December 2024.