UFC Fight Night 140 News: Alexandre Pantoja vs Ulka Sasaki - Taste of one's own medicine

What's the story?

UFC Argentina saw a lighting quick finish in round number one of a flyweight bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Ulka Sasaki. Just over two minutes into the first round, a swift transition from Pantoja helped him secure a fully locked in a rear naked choke. Following such a meticulous win, it will be hard to deny Pantoja of an upcoming super fight with fellow UFC flyweight legend, Joseph Benavidez.

In case you didn't know..

Alexandre Pantoja is a Brazilian origin mixed martial artist, currently fighting in the UFC's flyweight division. He made his first UFC appearance on UFC on FOX 23 against Eric Shelton, who he defeated via split decision. His second fight came against Neil Seery, who he submitted via rear naked choke. A unanimous decision loss against Dustin Ortiz on January 20th, 2018, during UFC 220, has been his only loss so far in the UFC. He last competed against Brandon Moreno at UFC Fight Night 129, who he beat via unanimous decision.

Ulka Sasaki is a Japanese born mixed martial artist who also competes in the flyweight division of the UFC. He is a former Shooto Pacific Rim Champion and is ranked number 13 in the flyweight charts as on November 13th, 2018. Although Sasaki boasts quick hand speed, he has had an average run with the UFC with a success rate of just half in regards to his total number of fights so far. His last win came against Jenel Lausa during the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night 132 between Donald Cerrone and Leon Edwards.

Out cold!

The heart of the matter

Ulka Sasaki began the first round with an intent to go for the kill in an attempt to use his faster hands as an advantage. Alexandre Pantoja, however, had other ideas and showed no signs of hesitation in taking Sasaki down to the ground. Pantoja found success in his guard position before going for a triangle choke in the process, which he then attempted to convert into an armbar.

Ulka Sasaki found momentary success by landing a few ground and pound blows after making it out of Pantoja's hold. The fight did not last for as long as Sasaki would have liked as Pantoja was quick to shuffle and get a control over Sasaki's back. Pantoja then finished the fight with a beautifully timed rear naked choke, and that is all she wrote, folks.

Take a bow!🇧🇷 @PantojaMMA makes QUICK work on the ground at #UFCArgentina. pic.twitter.com/JsVF64WujC

— UFC (@ufc) November 18, 2018

What's next?

Alexandre Pantoja has scaled up the ladder and seems to be posing a real threat to the flyweight division with his spot on technique and quick reaction time.

Will we see him square off against a much sought after fight with fellow flyweight contender, Joseph Benavidez in the not so distant future?

Leave your predictions and thoughts in the comments section below!