Pantoja Encourages Topuria as Both Chase UFC Gold

Alexandre Pantoja reached out publicly to Ilia Topuria on September 9, offering words of encouragement as both fighters chase a return to UFC championship gold in their respective divisions.

Pantoja, known as "The Cannibal," holds a 30-6 record and currently sits ranked first in the flyweight division, where he is also rated fourth on the pound-for-pound list. The 36-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of American Top Team, has built his reputation on relentless pressure and a well-rounded skill set. He lands 4.36 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and averages 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the 125-pound weight class.

Topuria, nicknamed "El Matador," carries a 17-1 record and is ranked first in the lightweight division as well as first pound-for-pound across the entire UFC roster. The 29-year-old from Spain trains out of Climent Club and brings explosive offensive output to the cage, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute. He also contributes on the mat, averaging nearly two takedowns and more than one submission attempt per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, Topuria has risen quickly to the top of the sport.

The brief social media exchange between the two was notably mutual in spirit. Pantoja's message — "We still have a lot to conquer" — underscored a shared hunger between two elite fighters operating at the highest levels of their respective weight classes.

Why it matters

• Both fighters are ranked number one in their divisions, giving their paths back to gold significant stakes across two separate title pictures
• Pantoja at flyweight and Topuria at lightweight represent the UFC's pound-for-pound elite, making any public interaction between them a signal of where the sport's top tier stands
• The camaraderie highlights a broader narrative of former and aspiring champions motivated to reclaim titles rather than settle into contender status