Brandon Moreno regained the UFC flyweight title against Deiveson Figueiredo at the co-main event of UFC 283, which is the first tetralogy bout in UFC history; Alexandre Pantoja was the backup fighter for the event.
In the post-fight press conference, The Assassin Baby revealed that a backstage altercation happened between Pantoja and him regarding their upcoming bout.
Pantoja clarified on the Trocaço Franca podcast that he has nothing but respect for Moreno and is disappointed by the incident.
“I was a little upset about that. I was working. This is entertainment. I went there because I felt obligated as a UFC employee, I had to do something, to make an appearance, to create something, but I respect Moreno a lot. I’ve known Moreno for a long time, we had a nice exchange on TUF and that’s what matters to me.”
Both fighters have known each other for quite a long time, so the cannibal just informally asked Moreno about the date of their upcoming title bout at UFC 283’s backstage, and for that reason the Brazilian didn’t like the idea of villainizing him.
“Of course, that I’m going to ask him when we’re going to fight. Let’s fight next month? In two months? Tell me know much time you need. And was like, ‘Get out of here, let him enjoy his moment.’ F*ck you, man. I wasn’t being disrespectful, that’s not who I am. I don’t want Moreno to put me on this villain role like I was trying to ruin his moment.”
Pantoja further added that he still admires Moreno a lot and expects that he will come out a better fighter than ever.
“And honestly, let’s be clear here, he lost twice to me. I could say he was afraid of me, that he’s afraid of fighting me, but I doubt it, man. The Mexican people are strong.
He’s a great athlete and has shown incredible evolution against Deiveson Figueiredo.”
