Alexandre Pantoja knows exactly where his roots are planted.

“I’ve walked a long road,” he told Sherdog.com. “I’ve been fighting as a pro since 2007. I’ve gone through various organizations. I also went through ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ I matured on that road. God put rocks in my way, so I could pile them up and build my castle. Thankfully, I’ve always had great people by me who always motivated me. When I was at my lowest, they helped me. I try to be that person for others today.”

At 33 years of age, Pantoja now sits atop the 125-pound mountain. He will defend the undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight title for the first time when he rematches Brandon Royval in the UFC 296 co-main event this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pantoja submitted the Factory X rep with a second-round rear-naked choke in 2021, prior to becoming champion.

“I’m very happy that Brandon managed to get his title challenge,” he said. “I’ve faced him before. He fights aggressively and likes to put on a show. He’s great for our flyweight division. He’s also very skilled. I have to train hard for him and stay very alert.”

Royval has rattled off three straight victories, two of them finishes, since his first encounter with “The Cannibal.” He last appeared at UFC on ESPN 44, where he felled Matheus Nicolau with a knee strike and follow-up elbows in a little more than two minutes. Royval boasts 13 finishes among his 15 career victories. Pantoja has nothing but respect for his counterpart.

“I’m happy to face someone who’s such a good fighter,” he said. “I’m happy to get an opponent in his prime. He’s coming off two beautiful bonus-worthy wins. I’m personally on a three-bonus streak. Everything is there for us to have the best fight at UFC 296.”

Pantoja continues to train out of the star-studded American Top Team camp in Coconut Creek, Florida, his base of operation for nearly six years. Access to elite coaches and world-class stablemates have made a difference.

“I’ve evolved significantly here, Pantoja said. “Many of the trainers have been there for more than 10 or 15 years. I have great training partners who always help me improve. Every training day we give 100%.”

Pantoja enters his latest assignment on a four-fight winning streak. He has not competed since he laid claim to the flyweight crown with a split decision over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 on July 8. Pantoja stays motivated by looking to those closest to him.

“My wife has been by my side for nearly 11 years,” he said. “She’s been a big help in my career. She’s the person I most want to impress. We always wish to impress our loved ones. I wanted to impress her so much that I became the world champion. The most precious thing in the world is what you have at home. There’s no need to look for things outside the home.

“Family is everything,” Pantoja continued. “Since I was a child, I always wished to be rich. I see that God gave me greater riches through my wife and our children. Regardless of what’s in my bank account, I’m a very rich man because of them. We love each other deeply. They’re my reason for living.”