Reis

By FCF Staff

As Wilson Reis prepares to face fellow flyweight contender Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 236, the accomplished fighter’s campaigning for the promotion to keep the 125 division alive.

For months now there’s been extensive speculation about whether the flyweight division will be shuttered. UFC President Dana White has been non-committal on the issue, but several flyweights have been released by the promotion.

In advance of his bout with Pantoja, however, Reis had this to say about the division (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I’m praying that the UFC keeps the flyweight division,” Reis said. “I think it’s very important to the UFC. All the MMA fans I talk to tell me they love our weight class – it’s very dynamic and technical.

“All combat sports need a lighter weight class. I hope the UFC keeps us on. Up to now, they’ve made no public statement announcing the end of the division. I hope we stay on.”

The 34-year-old Reis (23-9) is coming off a decision win over Ben Nguyen in December, after dropping consecutive bouts to Demetrious Johnson, Henry Cejudo and John Moraga.

UFC 236 will take place in Atlanta, Georgia.