“Dana White running a plantation” – Fans heartbroken after learning new flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja was driving for Uber Eats until two fights ago

The newly crowned UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja had an impressive victory via unanimous decision over fan favorite Brandon Moreno at UFC 290. Pantoja was the underdog going into the fight but showed everyone with his impressive performance that he could take a punch. However, life wasn’t always easy for the current champion before his rise in the rankings.

In an intriguing revelation by Ariel Helwani during The MMA Hour, it was unveiled that prior to his fight with Brandon Royval at a UFC Fight Night event, the now flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja used to work as a driver for Uber Eats. On Monday, he appeared on the renowned show and revealed how much he struggled with money. 

Prior to becoming the champion, Alexandre Pantoja revealed that a mere two fights ago he worked as an Uber driver, delivering food through Uber Eats, to financially support his family in Brazil during the challenging times of the pandemic. In fact, he could only quit the side job when he earned the UFC bonus in his fight with Brandon Royval. 

During his interview, Alexandre Pantoja also shared the remarkable experience of receiving a special “heroes welcome” at the renowned American Top Team training center. This prestigious facility has become a training hub for numerous esteemed MMA fighters and personalities, including notable names like Jorge Masvidal, Dustin Poirier, and Sergei Pavlovich. Over the years, it has also been the training home for UFC veterans such as Junior Dos Santos, Yoel Romero, and Andrei Arlovski.

Alexandre Pantoja has achieved a remarkable 3-0 record against Brandon Moreno, the first victory occurring during their encounter at TUF 24 where Pantoja secured a submission win in the second round. Their second bout took place at UFC 129 in 2018, with Pantoja claiming a unanimous decision victory. With an impressive professional record of 26-5, Pantoja has suffered only three losses throughout his UFC career.

Related: WATCH! UFC flyweight Alexandre Pantoja’s coach almost slams the fighter to the floor at UFC 277

Twitter reacts to the news of Alexandre Pantoja working as an Uber Eats driver just two fights ago

Alexandre Pantoja opened up about his previous employment as an Uber Eats driver, which he continued until just two fights prior to his championship bout. It was only after receiving a substantial $50,000 bonus for his fight against Brandon Royval at a UFC fight night event that he decided to leave his job. Pantoja further shared that he had taken on various jobs while simultaneously competing in the UFC.

The revelation about Pantoja’s previous employment and the financial challenges faced by fighters has sparked criticism aimed at UFC President Dana White. Some Twitter users have expressed their discontent, with one comment stating, “Dana White running a plantation over there in Vegas.” Others have voiced their hope for increased pay for ranked fighters within the UFC. Check out some of the fan reactions-

Many fighters have raised their concern about the UFC’s low wages, such as former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou who left the company due to issues with his and other fighters’ wages. He has now joined the PFL where he believes he can revolutionize fighters’ pay.

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