For years, the UFC flyweight division was synonymous with Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, whose reign as champion set a regular that seemed untouchable. But as of July 2025, the division has a brand new kingpin rewriting the record books, Alexandre Pantoja. Together with his latest title defense at UFC 317, Pantoja has not only prolonged his dominance but has also surpassed Johnson in several key statistical categories, making a compelling case that he’s now the best flyweight of all time.
Alexandre Pantoja stays the UFC flyweight Champion and now has more wins, finishes, and submission wins than Demetrious Johnson within the divisions’ history 😤
FLYWEIGHT LEGENDS 👏 #UFC317 pic.twitter.com/hekReffRTl
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 29, 2025
Pantoja’s Historic Run
Pantoja’s ascent is marked by a string of achievements which have redefined the flyweight landscape. After submitting Kai Kara-France at UFC 317, Pantoja now holds the records for many wins (14), most submissions (6), and most finishes (8) in UFC flyweight history. These aren’t just incremental improvements, they’re milestones that place him on the very top of the division’s all-time lists.
Beyond the numbers, Pantoja’s performances have been emphatic. He has never been stopped in his 35-fight skilled profession, showcasing a mix of durability and ending ability rare at 125 kilos.
Pantoja’s championship run began with a split decision win over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290, a fight that earned Fight of the Night honors and marked the beginning of a brand new era. Since claiming the belt, Pantoja has defended his title 4 consecutive times, a feat unmatched within the division since Johnson’s heyday.
Recent Title Defenses
Brandon Royval (UFC 296): Unanimous decision victory in a rematch.
Steve Erceg (UFC 301): One other dominant unanimous decision.
Kai Asakura (UFC 310): Submission win via rear-naked choke, earning Performance of the Night.
Kai Kara-France (UFC 317): Third-round rear-naked choke, breaking divisional records and further cementing his legacy.
Each defense has come against top-tier opposition, including former champions and surging contenders, highlighting Pantoja’s willingness to face the perfect available competition.
Pantoja’s latest victory at age 35 is especially significant. He became the primary men’s flyweight champion to successfully defend his title at 35 or older, breaking a longstanding trend within the lighter weight classes where champions rarely find success past their early thirties. This achievement underscores not only his skill but additionally his ability to evolve and remain at the head of the game as younger challengers emerge.
What truly distinguishes Pantoja’s run is the strength of his competition. He has notched wins over six of the present top 15 flyweights and three of the highest five, including multiple victories over elite names like Brandon Royval and Brandon Moreno. His path to the title was forged through the division’s hardest gauntlet, and his reign has only added to that resume.
The GOAT Conversation
While Demetrious Johnson’s 11 consecutive title defenses remain a monumental achievement, Pantoja’s run is exclusive in its breadth and depth. He has now surpassed Johnson in key statistical categories and has defended his title more times than some other flyweight since Johnson’s departure from the UFC.
| Category | Demetrious Johnson | Alexandre Pantoja |
| Title Defenses | 11 | 4 (and counting) |
| Wins (UFC FLW) | 13 | 14 |
| Submissions | 5 | 6 |
| Finishes | 7 | 8 |
Pantoja’s mix of ending ability, submission prowess, and willingness to face all comers has shifted the GOAT conversation. While Johnson’s reign was defined by consistency and innovation, Pantoja’s is marked by record-breaking performances and a relentless ending instinct.
What’s Next For The Champ?
The division shows no signs of slowing down. Next up for Pantoja is a clash with Joshua Van, a rising star who just earned a title shot after defeating Brandon Royval in a possible Fight of the 12 months at UFC 317. At just 23 years old, Van represents the brand new wave of talent, but he faces a champion who has proven repeatedly that he’s the person to beat.
Alexandre Pantoja shares he ‘100%’ believes Joshua Van shall be his hardest challenge as champion.
“He doesn’t have plenty of wars like I do up to now. He hasn’t cut weight like 35 times. That is something and I like that. He comes with amazing victories.” pic.twitter.com/8i7qUYd7A3
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 30, 2025
Alexandre Pantoja’s reign is greater than a passing of the torch, it’s a rewriting of the flyweight record books. With every defense, he further distances himself from his peers and predecessors. As of July 2025, the argument is not any longer whether Pantoja belongs within the GOAT conversation, but whether anyone can catch him as he continues to set the usual for greatness at 125 kilos.