Ambassador · Guides
Alexandre Pantoja and Stake: The Long Road to the Belt
A profile of Alexandre Pantoja, who went through The Ultimate Fighter before making four UFC title defences, and a Stake ambassador since December 2023.
Published by The Gambling Desk ·
- Weight class
- Flyweight
- Achievement
- Four UFC title defences
- With Stake
- Since 15 December 2023
Alexandre Pantoja became a Stake ambassador in December 2023, before his first defence of the UFC flyweight title. His story, however, is not one of an overnight rise: the Brazilian passed through the regional circuit, The Ultimate Fighter and several years of UFC fights before winning the belt and then defending it four times.
From Rio to the Regional Circuit
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Pantoja made his professional debut in 2007. He built his experience away from the biggest cards, fighting in Brazil and then the United States, and became the Resurrection Fighting Alliance flyweight champion in 2014.
His game developed around Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but is not limited to looking for a submission. Pantoja accepts exchanges on the feet, applies constant pressure and remains dangerous through transitions. This ability to win different kinds of fights explains his progress better than any single statistic.
The Ultimate Fighter Reveals a Contender, but Not Yet a Champion
In 2016, he took part in season 24 of The Ultimate Fighter, a tournament bringing together champions from regional organisations. Seeded first, he beat Brandon Moreno on the show before losing to Hiromasa Ougikubo in the semi-final.
The UFC signed him despite that elimination. His first years in the Octagon alternated between notable wins and setbacks that delayed his path to the title. A second victory over Moreno in 2018, followed by wins against Manel Kape, Brandon Royval and Alex Perez, ultimately established his claim.
A Third Victory over Moreno Begins His Reign
Pantoja finally received his opportunity at UFC 290 on 8 July 2023. He beat Brandon Moreno by split decision after five rounds and became flyweight champion. This third win over the Mexican, including their meeting on The Ultimate Fighter, rewarded a progression that had begun long before he reached the UFC.
His reign confirmed his resilience. He defended the belt against Brandon Royval in December 2023, Steve Erceg in May 2024, Kai Asakura in December 2024 and Kai Kara-France in June 2025. Two fights went to a decision; the other two ended by submission. That variety reflects his identity as a fighter: pressure, stamina and the ability to seize an opening on the ground.
An Injury Ends the Reign at UFC 323
On 6 December 2025, Pantoja faced Joshua Van for a fifth defence. Less than thirty seconds into the fight, he injured his left elbow while trying to break a fall. Unable to continue, he lost the title by medical TKO before a genuine sporting contest had really had time to develop.
As of the verification date of 24 July 2026, Pantoja is therefore a former champion and a contender in the division, not the current title-holder. Dating that status avoids freezing the page around the now outdated image of the reigning champion.
Stake Has Supported Him Since His First Defence
Stake announced Pantoja's arrival on 15 December 2023, on the eve of his fight against Brandon Royval. The first documented activation was directly tied to that defence: a promotion offered to double, up to a defined limit, winnings on a Pantoja victory by KO, TKO or submission.
The brand's official page subsequently followed his reign, his defences and the injury at UFC 323. It continues to include him among its UFC ambassadors after the loss of the title. The collaboration therefore accompanies a complete sporting journey rather than a one-off campaign centred on a belt.
Two Questions about Pantoja's Journey
Is Alexandre Pantoja Still UFC Champion?
No, as of 24 July 2026. His reign ended on 6 December 2025 when an elbow injury prevented him from continuing his fight against Joshua Van.
When Did Alexandre Pantoja Join Stake?
Stake announced his arrival on 15 December 2023, before his first title defence against Brandon Royval. A promotion linked to the outcome of that fight accompanied the announcement.