Alexandre Pantoja: Net Worth, Wife, Record & Next Fight (2025)

Alexandre “The Cannibal” Pantoja (30-5) is the undisputed UFC Flyweight Champion and one of the most violent finishers in the history of the 125-pound division. Known for his aggressive, kill-or-be-killed approach, Pantoja combines elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with relentless striking pressure, making every one of his fights a high-stakes affair. He is the division’s record holder for most finishes and most total wins.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Pantoja’s path to the top was marked by intense struggle and sacrifice, famously working multiple jobs (including driving for Uber Eats) while competing in the UFC to support his family. He has overcome the odds to defeat his great rival, Brandon Moreno, multiple times, cementing his position as the division’s leader.

Whether you are looking for his current net worth, his flyweight records, where he trains, or the latest betting analysis for his upcoming title defense, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Brazilian champion.

Quick Stats: Alexandre Pantoja

Alexandre Pantoja Net Worth 2025: How Much Does He Make?

As of late 2025, Alexandre Pantoja’s estimated net worth is approximately $3.0 Million USD.

His financial success is a direct result of his longevity, high activity rate, and the massive increase in compensation he earned after achieving champion status, which includes pay-per-view revenue shares for his main event appearances.

Average Pay: As a title holder and headliner, Alexandre Pantoja makes approximately $800,000 to $1.7 Million per fight when including his base salary, win bonus, performance checks, and estimated PPV share.

Fight Purse Breakdown and Career Earnings

Pantoja’s earnings reflect his transformation from a struggling regional fighter to a dominant champion.

• Championship Earnings: Pantoja’s biggest payday came at UFC 310, where he defended his title against Kai Asakura. His total estimated payout for that single night, including base pay, win bonus, and PPV points, reached approximately $3.44 million.
• Title Win: His dramatic title capture against Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 netted him a reported total payout of approximately $482,000 before the massive jump in pay structure for subsequent defenses.
• Bonuses: Pantoja is tied for the third-most post-fight bonuses in Flyweight history (six total), including four Performance of the Night awards, demonstrating his commitment to finishing fights and earning extra compensation.

From Waiting Tables to World Champion

Pantoja’s story is legendary due to his immense work ethic. Early in his career, he worked multiple strenuous jobs to fund his training, including working as a waiter, a mason, and on a boat crew. Even well into his UFC career, he famously supplemented his income by driving for Uber Eats until earning his first major bonus check for his win over Brandon Royval in 2021, proving his dedication to his family before securing generational wealth as champion.

Biography: The Cannibal of Rio

Where is Alexandre Pantoja from?

Alexandre Pantoja was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His upbringing was challenging; he has openly discussed his difficult childhood, including dealing with an absent father and instability, which instilled in him the relentless drive he shows today.

Cultural Background & Heritage

Pantoja is fiercely proud of his heritage and represents Brazil in the Octagon.

• Languages: His native language is Portuguese, but he is fluent in English, which he has improved significantly while training in the United States.
• Military Service: He previously served as a soldier in the Brazilian military, a period of his life that he credits with instilling a high level of discipline and commitment.
• The “Cannibal” Nickname: The origin of “The Cannibal” nickname is actually unknown, even by Pantoja himself, who has stated it’s simply a moniker that stuck from his early days fighting on the Brazilian regional circuit. However, it perfectly describes his suffocating, aggressive style, where he appears to “eat up” opponents and positions relentlessly.

Training Roots

Pantoja began his professional MMA career in 2007. He spent his early career mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning his black belt, and developing his aggressive, close-quarters striking game through Muay Thai.

Where Does Alexandre Pantoja Live and Train?

Pantoja is one of many top Brazilian fighters who has relocated to the United States to access world-class training facilities and partners.

Home Base: Coconut Creek, Florida

Pantoja currently resides in Coconut Creek, Florida, with his family. His move to the U.S. was motivated by the desire to secure a better life and housing for his children, fulfilling a promise he made to himself earlier in his career.

The Gym: American Top Team (ATT)

He trains exclusively at American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Florida, which is consistently ranked as one of the best MMA gyms globally.

• Training Philosophy: ATT is known for producing well-rounded, physically dominant fighters who excel at conditioning and grinding. This high-level environment allowed Pantoja to fuse his elite submission game with powerful wrestling and pressure boxing, creating the dangerous, complete fighter seen today.
• Notable Teammates: Pantoja trains alongside former champions and top contenders across multiple weight classes, benefiting from daily exposure to elite talent.

Fight Record & Career Highlights

Professional Record: 30 Wins, 5 Losses.

Alexandre Pantoja has secured his legacy as the most accomplished finisher in the flyweight division. His record includes multiple high-stakes victories, especially over his career-defining rival, Brandon Moreno.

Divisional Records

Pantoja is the historical benchmark for finishes and consistency in the UFC Flyweight division:

• Most Wins: 14 (UFC Flyweight Record)
• Most Submissions: 6 (UFC Flyweight Record)
• Most Finishes: 8 (UFC Flyweight Record)
• Longest Win Streak: 8 (2nd longest in division history, behind Demetrious Johnson)

Championship and Key Wins Breakdown

The Rivalry with Brandon Moreno: Pantoja holds a dominant 3-0 record over the former champion, with wins spanning from The Ultimate Fighter season 24, a unanimous decision in 2018, and the split decision victory at UFC 290 where he captured the title.

When is Alexandre Pantoja’s Next Fight? (UFC 323)

Alexandre Pantoja is scheduled to defend his UFC Flyweight Championship against rising contender Joshua Van in the co-main event of UFC 323 on December 6, 2025. Pantoja is seeking his fifth consecutive title defense against the dangerous, high-volume striking of Van. This bout comes after Van’s impressive win over Brandon Royval. Pantoja enters the fight riding an impressive 8-fight winning streak, showcasing his willingness to face the next generation of 125-pound killers, regardless of the opponent’s momentum.

Personal Life: Family, Work Ethic & Drive

Pantoja is a private individual whose public appearances are mostly focused on his training and promoting his fights, but his backstory is a powerful testament to sacrifice.

Wife and Children

• Marital Status: Alexandre Pantoja is married and lives with his wife and their children in Florida. He is extremely devoted to his family, often citing them as his primary motivation for maintaining his high fight frequency.
• The American Dream: He frequently discusses the pride he takes in being a homeowner in the U.S. and seeing his children integrate into American life, often noting that his kids now speak English better than he does—a symbol of the opportunity his hard work has provided.

Faith and Mentality

Pantoja often speaks about his connection to God as his source of strength and humility. His competitive spirit, however, is pure aggression. He is one of the rare fighters who genuinely looks to finish opponents, which is reflected in his high finish rate (40% KO/TKO, 60% SUB of his UFC finishes).

Strengths & Weaknesses Analysis

Pantoja is almost always a heavy favorite, but bettors must understand the specific risks associated with his high-pressure style.

✅ Strengths (When to Bet ON Pantoja)

1. Submission Threat (RNC): Pantoja’s rear-naked choke is elite. He leads the division in submissions, making the “Pantoja by Submission” prop a strong bet, especially in 3-round fights against opponents with questionable defensive grappling.
2. Pressure and Damage: Pantoja fights with forward pressure and high striking volume, forcing his opponents onto their back foot. His aggression often results in him landing the more significant, damaging strikes, even in close rounds.
3. All-Around Game: He is genuinely dangerous everywhere. Pantoja can knock you out in the first round or submit you in the third, which gives him multiple paths to victory against any style.

❌ Weaknesses (When to Bet AGAINST Pantoja)

1. Susceptibility to Decisions: Despite his finishing ability, Pantoja has been taken to a decision in 5 of his last 7 UFC bouts. When he faces opponents who match his cardio, the fight often goes the distance, introducing variance on the scorecards.
2. Shorter Reach: With a 67-inch reach and 5’5″ height, he is one of the shorter flyweights, which can make fighting long, technical strikers (like his loss to Askar Askarov) challenging.
3. Durability Concerns: While tough, Pantoja often wades into the pocket to exchange, relying on absorbing shots to land his own. This high-risk strategy is why his fights are so entertaining, but it raises the risk of a late-fight knockout against heavy hitters.

Betting Tip: Pantoja’s decision to work outside the sport while fighting at the elite level underscores a desperate drive for success. This hunger is his most dangerous weapon. Betting on him to Win by Submission is a recurring profitable play due to his high finish rate (12 career submissions).

FAQ: Common Questions About Alexandre Pantoja

What titles has Alexandre Pantoja won? Alexandre Pantoja is the current UFC Flyweight Champion. He previously held the RFA Flyweight Championship and the AXS TV Flyweight Superfight Championship before joining the UFC.

What is Pantoja’s finish rate in the UFC? Pantoja has the highest finish rate in the history of the UFC Flyweight division. He has 8 finishes (6 submissions, 2 T/KOs) in his 14 UFC wins.

Did Alexandre Pantoja fight Brandon Moreno multiple times? Yes, they have fought three times, with Pantoja winning all three encounters (once on TUF, and twice in the UFC, including the fight that won Pantoja the title).

Who is Alexandre Pantoja’s wife? Alexandre Pantoja keeps his wife and children out of the public eye, focusing on his own career profile to protect their privacy.

Where did the name “The Cannibal” come from? Pantoja has stated that the nickname has no clear origin, other than being something given to him by his original coaches in Brazil that eventually stuck. It refers to his aggressive approach to consuming his opponents inside the cage.