would have loved the opportunity to challenge himself But now that one of the most successful champions in UFC history has retired, Pantoja hopes to take some knowledge and skill with him.
Pantoja defends the UFC flyweight title against this Saturday at . Pantoja is headlining his second pay-per-view card of the year, this time against former RIZIN bantamweight champion and promotion newcomer.
While he focuses on Asakura, Pantoja wondered if Johnson's retirement announcement could lead to the UFC bringing back “Mighty Mouse” in the future.
“Now he’s retired and now UFC can re-sign him,” Pantoja told MMA Fighting. “The only thing I can think of is that. I don't know if they can do it.
“But of course great respect for him. He is a GOAT and I respect everything he has done for my department, for me, for all the guys. We needed respect because I have to pay my bills. I'm a fighter, I'm a professional. That's my job. And Demetrious Johnson opened the room for us. [He was] unstoppable, undefeated [for so long]That’s crazy.”
Pantoja puts his title on the line for the second time after winning the belt against in July 2023. The 34-year-old has won six times in a row, including one defeat by resolution in May in his first title defense.
After fighting many of the flyweight division's top contenders en route to his first UFC title, Pantoja hopes to train with Johnson in the future.
“I just want to train with him,” Pantoja said. “I train with the best fighters in the world. I have the opportunity to fight against the best fighters in the world. … I can fight a lot of good guys in the UFC, but Demetrious Johnson [is fully] Maybe he's retired and doesn't fight anymore [we can] Just exercise because this is something I want to use in my life, you know?”
