Excited, Pantoja scolds in public and asks for donations after victory at UFC 301: ‘Let’s help’

On an epic night in Rio de Janeiro, Alexandre Pantoja not only defended his flyweight belt (up to 56.7 kg) in the UFC 301, but also consolidated himself as a leader inside and outside the octagon. After fierce battle five rounds against the challenger Steve Ercegthe Brazilian was declared the winner by unanimous decision of the judges, confirming his hegemony in the division.

But the most memorable moment of the night came after the fight, when Pantoja took to the microphone to make a moving appeal to the audience. In an emotional speech, the champion called for unity and solidarity to help the victims of the recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul.

“Hey guys. Stay in the arena there, please. Calm down. It doesn’t come out that the champion is going to speak here. What a wonderful night today. What a tough kid, he deserves applause. I’m here to fight the best in the world and he’s one of them. We fought a lot to get here. I told you to stay in the arena, boy. Stay there! And one more thing: let’s help people in Rio Grande do Sul (who face problems with flooding). Let’s donate ten reais, whatever it is. Let’s help our country. If it’s not us, it won’t be anyone”, cried Pantoja, his voice choked with emotion.

The champion’s gesture was received with warm applause from the public present at the Farmasi Arena, located in Barra da Tijuca, in Rio de Janeiro. On social media, Pantoja’s initiative was also widely praised, with many fans and personalities from the world of sport speaking out in support of the cause.

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