UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja Plots Super Fight With Sean O'Malley But Names Dangerous Bantamweight He Will Avoid

UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja recently discussed his interest in fighting UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O'Malley. 

"The Cannibal" is set to defend the 125-pound gold against the #10-ranked Steve Erceg in May at UFC 301. The bout will mark his second defense of the title, having bested Brendan Royval via unanimous decision back at UFC 296 last December. 

If "The Cannibal" retains the strap again at UFC 301, his gradual journey to moving up to title contention at 135 pounds will continue. 

'Just For O'Malley' - Pantoja On Possible Bantamweight Venture

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Pantoja discussed his keen interest in fighting Sean O'Malley.

"I can fight at 135, definitely," Pantoja asserted. "But everybody knows I'm small, I'm not too big, you know, I'm a really flyweight guy, and I'm just thinking about going to the bantamweight to fight Sean O'Malley, that's a good history I have with him, you know."

Pantoja discussed his history with O'Malley, including their time training together several years ago in Arizona. He also noted Marlon "Chito" Vera's remarkable toughness and durability at UFC 299, where he kept fighting through a brutal beating at the hands of "Sugar."

"How 'Chito' keeps fighting at that pace, that's crazy you know," Pantoja said. "The knees O'Malley throwing at 'Chito,' 'Chito' is very tough guy, brother, he's tough. He wants to fight, but he don't find the range with O'Malley."

"The Cannibal" made clear that he will only move up to bantamweight for the O'Malley fight. He has no interest in taking on some of the 135-pound contenders, especially not the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. 

"Just for O'Malley, you know," Pantoja confirmed. "I don't want to go through the bantamweight and fight with some Umar Nurmagomedov."