Alexandre Pantoja delivers Uber Eats before securing UFC flyweight title

Alexandre Pantoja Octagon Interview | UFC 290

Alexandre Pantoja had to drive for Uber Eats to make ends meet before becoming the current flyweight champion of the UFC.

Speaking on Monday’s episode of The MMA Hour, the Brazilian fighter told host Ariel Helwani about how he had to find a second job in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a champion. He defeated Brandon Moreno by a split decision in the co-main event of UFC 290 last Saturday in Las Vegas, upping his record to 26-5.

“After the pandemic and after my fight with Manel [Kape], I gave some money — in the pandemic, my family [went] back to Brazil because I can’t take care of [them] anymore in the U.S., so I came back to the U.S. alone,” said Pantoja.

After his win against Manel Kape in February 2021, Pantoja put all the money from the championship into a down payment for a house.

Unfortunately, he was short on money, so he worked for Uber Eats until just a few days before his fight with Brandon Royval in August 2021.

“My wife started to clean houses, and I started to drive Uber. I’d do this again if I need. It’s not just about myself. This is about my family,” Pantoja said.

He submitted Royval with a rear-naked choke in the second round, earning a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

Pantoja also competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments between fights.

What the win means for Pantoja

“The Cannibal” had secured two wins before entering the fight against Moreno. A co-main event, the fight was then considered a contender for Fight of the Year, which awarded both fighters Fight of the Night honors.

This win was an emotional moment for the 33-year-old. Pantoja’s post-fight speech was a tribute to his mother and family, who had supported him throughout his journey. He expressed relief in knowing he would never have to work another job again.

Debuted in 2012, the UFC flyweight title has been fiercely competed for. Demetrious Johnson was the first to hold the belt, keeping it for six years until Henry Cejudo claimed it, which he held until he vacated it in 2020.

The title then changed hands three times between Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo before finally being claimed by Pantoja.