Alexandre Pantoja Tells Sean Strickland to ‘Shut Your Mouth’ Ahead of His UFC 301 Main Event Fight

Flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja responds fiercely to Strickland's critique as he preps for UFC 301. Watch the drama unfold!

Published on Apr 30, 2024  |  09:32 PM IST |  52.4K
Image Source: GETTY
Image Source: GETTY

What happens when a UFC fighter's words ignite a firestorm? Sean Strickland, known for his brash comments, recently dismissed the flyweight division and women's fighters as less than thrilling. "I want to see lions fight," he claimed, stirring controversy just before a major event.

Enter Alexandre Pantoja, the flyweight champion, who's not just fighting for his title but also respect. Pantoja is set to defend his belt at UFC 301, taking place this weekend at the T-Mobile Arena. 

Can Pantoja silence Strickland's criticisms with a victory? Will his defense echo louder than Strickland's words?

'Respect My Job!': Pantoja Demands Recognition for Flyweight Fighters

Sean Strickland's bold statement cast a shadow over the flyweight division, declaring, "I don’t want to see two f****** little cats fight; I want to see lions." His words, meant to provoke, certainly did stir the pot, especially among those he targeted. Amidst this backdrop, Alexandre Pantoja, the reigning flyweight king, took a firm stand.

"Don't say that. It's crazy because people say that. You want [me to] lose my money, lose my job? That's so crazy. Why you say that?" Pantoja’s response, laced with emotion, underscored the personal stakes involved. His livelihood, like that of his peers, hinges on the division’s reputation.

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Continuing passionately, Pantoja defended the integrity and hard work of his fellow flyweights. "I'm very mad when Strickland said that for women and flyweight guys. Shut your mouth. Respect my job. I put food on my table with that. You're crazy," he asserted, echoing the frustration and determination of an entire class of fighters.

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Pantoja elaborated on the dedication required to excel in the flyweight division, emphasizing the comprehensive skill set necessary. 

"Every flyweight worked so hard for that, and that's why everyone respects each other in the flyweights. It's hard [when] you see someone say bad things about us because we work hard. That's a very hard division. We need to be training 100% [of the] time. It's not just about one punch here. You need to be good in grappling, good cardio, good striking, good every time in every place."

Also Read: Conor McGregor Consoles Francis Ngannou As Latter Devastated Over 15-Month-Old Son’s Death

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Will Pantoja's performance silence the critics and prove once and for all the true worth of the flyweight fighters? Join the conversation as this weekend could redefine what it means to watch "lions" fight.

 

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Mrinal Mishra has made a mark as a combat sports writer, with more than a year of dedicated coverage

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