UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja’s life has been pretty much sunshine and rainbows since he won the title by defeating Brandon Moreno via split decision at UFC 290.
However, his past, particularly his childhood, was far from easy. The champion saw his mother work day and night to look after him and his two brothers.
Though not much is known about his father, the UFC fighter has expressed that all he truly wants is his father’s love.
Highlights
- Alexandre Pantoja, aka the Cannibal, said his mother raised him and his two brothers alone.
- Reports suggest that the UFC Flyweight Champion’s father was an alcoholic and wasn’t present in their lives much.
- he has repeatedly said he just wants his father to recognize and accept him, but it seems like things are not working between them.
In 2021, Alexandre Pantoja worked as an UberEats driver to support himself while pursuing his UFC career.
He had a pretty challenging journey to the UFC championship, but he remained determined.
The MMA Hour host Ariel Helwani praised Pantoja saying,
“I mean, that’s just absurd. So, the Royval fight – I know he hasn’t fought in a while because he was waiting for this opportunity – that was August 2021, so that was less than two years ago.”
Ariel Helwani
She added,
“UberEats driver, made $100 the weekend before the Royval fight in August of 2021, and then stopped driving when he got the 50k bonus.”
However, more than working for UberEats, Alexandre had a tough time growing up, and the longing for love still lingers in his heart.
Alexandre Pantoja Asked His Dad If He Was Proud Of Him
After winning his championship fight against Moreno in UFC 290, the Cannibal, with overwhelming emotion, asked his father if he was proud of him now.
“I leave everything I have. My mum, take care of me and my two brothers alone. You know, now Dad, are you proud of me Dad? You proud of me?”
Alexandre Pantoja
The MMA community was shocked by his post-match interview, as no one was aware of his troubled childhood at the time.
The Brazilian MMA fighter clarified what he had said before in another conversation.
He explained that his dad was an alcoholic and they used to fight a lot, and one day he left and never came back.
During his appearance in a July 2023 episode of The MMA Hour, the Brazilian MMA fighter shared more details about his strained relationship with his father.
“What I say in the cage is something like I just want the love of my dad, you know. I just want to feel him. In the week of the fight, I think about calling my dad and to cover all the scars because when I go to the fight, I want to have a beautiful moment and I don’t want more bad times.”
Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre Pantoja explains his heartfelt UFC 290 post-fight message 🥺#TheMMAHour
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 10, 2023
“I just want the love of my dad."
▶️ https://t.co/cBBbjAjk7A pic.twitter.com/GXPnJ1VkS0
The talented MMA artist added that he missed his father the moment UFC president Dana White put the championship belt around his waist.
“When the fight’s over, I think about him [father], I think about all those moments he can’t enjoy with me. You know, he can’t enjoy with his grandchildren, and he lost all the moments…I’m a daddy now and I do everything for my kids, I do everything for my family, and I give my life for all my two kids.”
Alexandre Pantoja
Although his relationship with his father might have been strained, Alexandre Pantoja has always had the unwavering support of his mother and siblings.
As mentioned, the UFC official’s mother raised him and his two brothers on her own. She must be incredibly proud of him.
Also, Pantoja is married, Gabryella Gouvêa, and his wife is one of the biggest supporters of his life.
Pantoja started dating Gouvêa Pantoja in 2008, and they married soon after.
Gabryella is a dedicated housewife. The couple has two children, Cauã and Nicolas.
Additional Information
- Alexandre Pantoja is gearing up to fight against former two-time Rizin Bantamweight Champion and promotional newcomer Kai Asakura on 7 December 2024.
- This is his third UFC Flyweight Championship title defense.
- The Flyweight Champion’s net worth is around $1 million as of 2024.
