Alexandre Pantoja Set As Backup Fighter For Figuieredo vs. Moreno IV At UFC 283

Alexandre Pantoja Set As Backup Fighter For Figuieredo vs. Moreno IV At UFC 283

Abdullah Ouazri|
October 04, 2022|
0

Alexandre Pantoja will serve as the backup fighter for the Flyweight title unification bout between Deiveson Figuieredo and Brandon Moreno at UFC 283 on January 21st at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil according to Guilherme Cruz.

Pantoja has a professional record of 25-5 and competes in the UFC Flyweight (125 lbs) division where he is currently ranked #2.

Should either fighter miss weight or be forced to withdraw from the card due to any reason, Alexandre Pantoja will be called upon to fill in and face a short-notice opponent.

This is not the first time Pantoja has been in this situation. He served as the backup for the last title fight between Figuieredo and Moreno at UFC 271.

Regardless of whether or not a fighter falls through, Pantoja will be required to weigh in at the championship limit of 125 lbs or less the day before the fight.

Alexandre Pantoja finishes Alez Perez in round 1. Credits to: Jerome Miron USA-TODAY Sports
Alexandre Pantoja finishes Alez Perez in round 1. Credits to: Jerome Miron USA-TODAY Sports

Pantoja is familiar with both of his potential foes. He lost a unanimous decision to Deiveson Figuieredo in the UFC and has beaten Brandon Moreno twice. Once by submission on The Ultimate Fighter, and once by unanimous decision in the UFC.

Riding the waves of a 3-fight winning streak, Alexandre Pantoja will try to make the most of the opportunity presented to him and potentially fight for a UFC title.

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