Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has stated he would be happy to defend his title against Kyoji Horiguchi, his teammate, should Horiguchi return to the UFC and earn a title shot. Horiguchi is making a comeback to the Ultimate Fighting Championship following successful championship reigns in RIZIN and Bellator.
The UFC has not yet announced when or against whom Horiguchi will make his return to the octagon. However, Pantoja envisions a future matchup with his American Top Team partner if Horiguchi can secure a series of victories.
“We have a large number of fighters at ATT,” Pantoja explained. “Teammates frequently face each other in fights. Kyoji Horiguchi was instrumental in my winning this belt. I`m not sure if I would have had the opportunity to compete for the title or become a champion without Kyoji Horiguchi. He has been by my side throughout all my training camps. I am deeply grateful to Kyoji for everything he has done for me, as his support has also benefited my family.”
Pantoja continued, “It would be a pleasure to fight Kyoji for the belt. It would only be for the championship; I don’t think I would fight Kyoji otherwise. This opportunity to fight him for the belt feels like a gift. I hope to remain champion long enough to face Kyoji. We both appreciate this potential fight. When Kyoji and I spar in the gym, everyone stops to watch. It’s a real privilege to have him on my side.”
Pantoja mentioned that Horiguchi already has a UFC fight scheduled but could not disclose the opponent or date. Regarding his own next fight, after successfully defending his title three times against Brandon Moreno, Steve Erceg, and Kai Asakura, Pantoja welcomes any challenger in the 125-pound division.
“One thing I appreciate about my division is that everyone has opportunities,” Pantoja said. “I’ve fought and defeated the top-ranked contenders multiple times. The UFC brings in top-ten fighters and champions from other promotions. I believe everyone in my division has a chance, and I am happy about that. My next opponent could be anyone – Manel Kape, Brandon Moreno, Brandon Royval, Kai Kara-France, or even Merab Dvalishvili. I like that the future is uncertain and full of possibilities.”
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to defend his title in early June in a rematch with Sean O’Malley. Pantoja had previously considered pursuing a fight with O’Malley when he was champion, but he is now focused on his own division. “I have my own division to focus on,” he stated. With UFC 316 already featuring two championship fights, Pantoja has offered to compete at UFC 317 in Las Vegas on June 28.
“My immediate goal is to win my next fight,” Pantoja emphasized. “I don’t currently feel like the best fighter in the world. I am not in a full training camp at the moment, having just returned from Brazil and lost about ten days of training. I need to get back to American Top Team, where I know everyone, especially Kyoji Horiguchi, will push me hard. This mindset is what makes me tough.”
“I don’t feel like the best fighter right now, but when I sign a fight contract and have a date, my goal is to be the best fighter in the world on that day. That’s what I strive for. My goal is to be world champion again, and with each fight, I aim to reclaim that title.”
