Alexandre Pantoja Biography: Age, Wife, UFC Record, Net Worth, Fights
Alexandre Pantoja Passidomo, widely known by his fierce moniker “The Cannibal,” is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist competing in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Recognized as one of the greatest flyweights of all time, he is the former UFC Flyweight Champion, having secured the title in 2023 and completing four successful title defenses. With his relentless grappling, elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills, and a long career fighting out of Arraial do Cabo and American Top Team, Pantoja has cemented his legacy as a dominant force in modern combat sports.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Alexandre Pantoja Passidomo |
| Nick Name | The Cannibal |
| Profession | Professional Mixed Martial Artist |
| Birth Date | April 16, 1990 |
| Age | 36 years old |
| Birth Place | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Known For | Former UFC Flyweight Champion, BJJ Black Belt |
| Ethnicity | White (Brazilian) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m), 125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | High School |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Gabryella Pantoja |
| Children | Two sons |
| Family Tree | Ester Pantoja (Mother), two brothers |
| Hobbies | Training, spending time with family, teaching martial arts |
| Current Work | Fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) |
| Years Active | 2007 â Present |
Early Life & Education
Alexandre Pantoja was born on April 16, 1990, and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is the youngest of three children. His early childhood was marked by severe financial and familial struggles; his mother, Ester Pantoja, had been adopted as a child due to poverty, and Alexandre proudly carries her adoptive family’s surname. Following intense family conflicts, his biological father abandoned the household, leaving his mother to raise Alexandre and his two older brothers alone.
Seeking discipline and a positive outlet, Pantoja was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 11 through his stepfather. He began training at the traditional academy of renowned master Osvaldo Alves in Copacabana. When he was 12, the family relocated to Arraial do Cabo, where he continued to hone his skills. Unfortunately, his stepfather struggled with alcohol-related issues, prompting Pantoja to move to Bahia as a teenager to briefly live with his father. Despite the constant upheaval, he never lost his dedication to martial arts, even beginning to teach jiu-jitsu classes at just 15 years old after winning his first state title.
Career Journey
Early Regional Success and The Ultimate Fighter
Alexandre Pantoja officially began his professional fighting career in July 2007. Over the next decade, he dominated the Brazilian regional circuits and eventually made a name for himself in the United States, capturing the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) and AXS TV Flyweight Superfight Championships. His undeniable talent earned him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions in 2016, which served as his springboard into the UFC.
Climbing the UFC Ranks
Making his official promotional debut in early 2017, Pantoja quickly established himself as a highly dangerous contender with submission victories and relentless striking. Over the years, he fought the absolute best in the division, securing impressive victories over notable names like Matt Schnell, Manel Kape, Alex Perez, and Brandon Royval. His aggressive style, which earned him the nickname “The Cannibal,” made him a fan favorite and a nightmare matchup for anyone at 125 pounds.
Reaching the Mountaintop: UFC Flyweight Champion
Pantoja’s defining career moment arrived at UFC 290 on July 8, 2023, when he challenged Brandon Moreno for the UFC Flyweight Championship. In an absolute war that was later nominated for “Fight of the Year,” Pantoja defeated Moreno via a split decision to win the title. In a deeply emotional post-fight interview, he looked directly into the camera and asked the father who abandoned him if he was finally proud of his son.
A Dominant Reign and Eventual Title Loss (2023â2025)
Following his championship victory, Pantoja went on an incredible run, securing four successful title defenses against top contenders. He successfully defended his belt against Brandon Royval (UFC 296), Steve Erceg (UFC 301), Kai Asakura (UFC 310), and Kai Kara-France (UFC 317).
However, his historic reign came to a shocking end at UFC 323 on December 6, 2025. Facing surging prospect Joshua Van, Pantoja suffered a sudden arm injury just 26 seconds into the first round, resulting in a TKO loss and ending his tenure as champion.
Career Stats Summary
- Professional Record: 30 Wins, 6 Losses, 0 Draws
- Wins by Knockout: 8
- Wins by Submission: 12
- Wins by Decision: 10
- Title Defenses: 4 (Second-most title fight wins in UFC flyweight history)
Personal Life
Outside the punishing environment of the Octagon, Alexandre Pantoja is a deeply devoted family man. He is married to his long-time partner, Gabryella, and together they have two sons. Driven by the abandonment he faced in his own childhood, Pantoja’s primary motivation throughout his career has been to provide a stable, loving, and financially secure environment for his wife and children.
Controversies
Pantoja is widely respected as a true martial artist and a consummate professional. He has managed to completely avoid major personal, legal, or promotional controversies during his nearly two-decade-long fighting career. He prefers to let his performances speak for themselves rather than engaging in staged trash talk.
Awards & Achievements
- UFC Flyweight Championship: Former Champion with four successful title defenses.
- Fight of the Night: Multiple winner, including his legendary title bout against Brandon Moreno at UFC 290.
- Performance of the Night: Multiple winner (vs. Matt Schnell, Alex Perez, Kai Asakura).
- MMA Mania Fighter of the Year: 2023.
- BJJ Black Belt: Highly decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner.
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m)
- Weight: 125 lbs (57 kg)
- Reach: 68 inches (173 cm)
- Stance: Orthodox
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
- Body Type: Athletic, lean, and muscularly dense for the flyweight class.
Quotes
“I’ve worked my whole life for this. I started when I was a kid in Rio, and now I am the champion of the world.”
“Are you proud of me now, Dad? Are you proud of me?” (Spoken to the camera after winning the UFC championship in 2023).
“The cage is where I feel most alive. Every time I step in there, I am fighting for my family’s future.”
Favorites
- Fighting Style: Ground and pound, mixed with high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu submissions.
- Motivation: His wife and two sons.
- Mentors: The coaches and teammates at American Top Team (ATT).
Earnings
As a long-tenured UFC veteran and a champion who headlined multiple pay-per-view events, Alexandre Pantoja has amassed a significant fortune. During his title reign, he secured lucrative main-event purses, PPV points, and performance bonuses. For his bout at UFC 323 in December 2025 alone, he earned an estimated $732,000. Combined with his brand ambassadorshipsâincluding a multi-year deal with Spribeâhis net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between $2 Million and $4 Million.
Interesting Facts
- The Oldest Flyweight Champ: When he defended his title in 2025, he became the oldest fighter in history to win a UFC flyweight title fight at 35 years old.
- Early Teacher: Pantoja was so naturally gifted at grappling that he began officially teaching jiu-jitsu classes at his gym when he was only 15 years old.
- Brand Ambassador: Alongside fighters like Diego Lopes and Valter Walker, Pantoja is an official ambassador for Spribe.
Did you know already?
Did you know that Alexandre Pantoja’s terrifying nickname “The Cannibal” perfectly encapsulates his aggressive, forward-marching fighting style, as he is known to “eat up” his opponents inside the cage by never giving them a moment to breathe?
Social Media Links
Keep up with Alexandre Pantoja’s training, family life, and career updates on his official platforms:
- Instagram: @pantoja_oficial
- Twitter / X: @PantojaUFC
FAQs
How old is Alexandre Pantoja?
Alexandre Pantoja was born on April 16, 1990, making him 36 years old years old.
Is Alexandre Pantoja married?
Yes, he is married to his wife Gabryella, and they have two sons together.
Did Alexandre Pantoja lose his UFC title?
Yes. After successfully defending his UFC Flyweight Championship four times, he lost the title to Joshua Van via TKO (arm injury) at UFC 323 in December 2025.
What is Alexandre Pantoja’s MMA record?
As of 2026, his professional mixed martial arts record stands at 30 wins, 6 losses, and 0 draws.
Conclusion
Alexandre Pantojaâs journey from a childhood of poverty and abandonment in Rio de Janeiro to becoming the UFC Flyweight Champion is one of the most inspiring stories in modern combat sports. Through sheer grit, unparalleled jiu-jitsu, and a profound dedication to his family, “The Cannibal” conquered the 125-pound division and solidified his legacy as an all-time great. If you enjoyed this in-depth look at his life and career, be sure to share this biography with your fellow MMA fans!
