Newly crowned UFC Flyweight Champion, Alexander Pantoja gives emotional insight into his post-fight comments about his relationship with his father.
In a climate filled with obligatory speeches, awkward monologues and ignorance, Pantoja delivered a blunt and honest speech after defeating Brandon Moreno in the 125-pound championship last weekend. Emotions boiled over, as while speaking to Joe Rogan on The Cannibal Octagon, he revealed that he grew up without a father, looking into the camera asking “Now dad, are you proud of me dad?”.
This moment would make the rounds around the world of MMA, tugging at many people’s heartstrings in what was a very sensitive moment for someone who had just engaged in a back and forth war.
Alexander Pantoja describes relationship with Fr
appear in MMA watchPantoja was asked about his comments after the fight, and he’ll share some sad background.
“My dad drank a lot, and I saw a lot of fights with him and my mom,” Pantoja said.
“When my dad drinks a lot he gets aggressive, I don’t remember having good times with my dad, you know…but I don’t want to crucify my dad,” Pantoja continued. “I know he loves me and my siblings and I’m so old now he gives the bets he can and it’s nowhere near what I give my kids but he does the best he can. I won’t judge him. He left the house. He never helped my mom with me or my siblings. He didn’t give her money.” never “.
Pantoja would explain that even after everything he’s been through, he still despite reaching out to his father during his moment of need.
“I just want my dad’s love,” Pantoja said. “I want to feel it and the week of the fight I thought about calling my dad to try and control all the fear [feelings].
“When the fight was over, I was thinking about him, I was thinking about all his moments that he couldn’t enjoy with me, that he couldn’t enjoy with his grandkids.”
After his impressive performances and sincere following, the 33-year-old has undoubtedly gained a large number of new fans.
What would you like to see Alexandre Pantoja do next?