Last event of the year, UFC Tampa could define Pantoja's next rival

After shining as the protagonist of UFC 310, last Saturday (7), with a victory via rear naked choke against Kai Asakura, Alexandre Pantoja finds himself once again without a originário next challenger for his belt. After basically cleaning up the category and recently defeating the Japanese former Rizin champion, the Brazilian is trying to find new attractive targets for himself and MMA fans. This search could even end in just a week. After all, this Saturday, at UFC Tampa, the last Ultimate event in 2024, a clash between two ranked flyweights (57 kg) could define the next opponent of the champion from Arraial do Cabo (RJ).

In a clash that reinforces the main card of UFC Tampa, Manel Kape, ninth in the ranking, and Bruno Bulldog, 12th place, measure forces. And their position does not tend to be an obstacle in an attempt to claim a title shot in the next round. After all, before submitting Asakura, Pantoja faced Steve Erceg, then tenth in the category, in his second successful title defense, held in Rio de Janeiro.

The two competitors are already making plans to challenge Pantoja if they win this Saturday. While Kape plans to get back at the Brazilian in a possible rematch in the most famous octagon in the world, Bulldog reveals that he has already made an agreement with Alexandre for a direct confrontation. It is worth mentioning that Brazilians are friends and teammates on the 'American Top Team'.

Other options on the radar

As soon as he defeated Asakura and defended the belt for the third time, Pantoja set his sights on a superfight against Demetrious Johnson. Recently retired, however, the former UFC champion denied the proposal and highlighted that he does not intend to return to active duty. Therefore, the Brazilian mentioned the name of Kai Kara-France, number 4 in the ranking, as a likely challenger for the next round. Another name that came up strongly was Deiveson Figueiredo. The God of War was one of the few athletes to manage to defeat Alexandre in recent years and opened the door to give the current flyweight champion a second chance.

Main fight

In addition to the duel between Kape and Bulldog, UFC Tampa will be headlined by a clash of generations between welterweights Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley. While the veteran and former interim champion tries to get back on track to winning ways, the prospective knockout artist is looking for his sixth victory in a row to consolidate himself once and for all in the division's escol squad. Vitor Petrino and Felipe Nunes also represent the 'Brazilian Squadron' at the event, facing Dustin Jacoby and MIles Johns respectively.