Alexandre Pantoja recently said he is open to fighting his longtime teammate Kyoji Horiguchi after his surprise callout last weekend. The two train together at American Top Team. However, the flyweight champion said he would accept if the UFC offered the matchup.
Horiguchi returned to the octagon after nine years away. He showed that he still belongs among the best flyweights in the world. The Japanese star submitted No. 11 ranked Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Qatar.
The former Bellator and RIZIN champion used his post-fight interview to call out his teammate. Pantoja, who is preparing to defend his flyweight title against Joshua Van at UFC 323, accepted the callout and holds no anger towards his teammate.
‘The Cannibal’ praised Horiguchi for his performance at UFC Qatar and expressed gratitude for their friendship. Pantoja even credited him for helping him evolve as a fighter.
“I’m so happy for Kyoji [Horiguchi]. Tagir is a very good fighter and Kyoji [put on] a clinic. He looked perfect,” Pantoja said during an interview with MMA Junkie. “Me and my family are very grateful to have Kyoji in my life. He brought my level up. I know 100 percent that because I have Kyoji as my teammate, it’s why I conquered this belt in the UFC.”
Pantoja also highlighted Horiguchi’s impressive accomplishments outside the UFC.
“[Horiguchi] was the RIZIN champ, Bellator champ, and he just missed the UFC. It’s something he wants,” he said. “I think it’s very special if he can do that. He would be the only guy to achieve these belts in RIZIN, Bellator, and UFC.”
Alexandre Pantoja Would Welcome a Kyoji Horiguchi Title Shot
Alexandre Pantoja also spoke about Kyoji Horiguchi possibly getting an immediate title shot after his win at UFC Qatar. The flyweight division often needs new matchups after Pantoja defeated several contender more than once already.
If Horiguchi received a title shot after one win, Pantoja would be happy. Although the fight would be difficult, Pantoja joked that his teammate might be the only fighter he can trade trash talk with.
“I feel very honored, very grateful, and it’s going to be very special for me if I can win against Joshua Van and defend against Kyoji. It’s going to be a present for me,” Pantoja told MMA Junkie. “I know a fight with Kyoji is going to be very hard for me because I have to hurt my friend. I’m very glad he made this callout. Maybe the only guy I can make trash talk with is [Horiguchi].”
Pantoja Focused on Joshua Van
Despite all the talk around Horiguchi, Pantoja said he will not lose focus. Pantoja defends his flyweight title against Joshua Van at UFC 323 on Dec. 6.
Van is a surging contender with a lot of hype after his incredible performance against former title challenger Brandon Royval. He has a 15-2 MMA record and is 8-1 inside the octagon, and rides a five-fight winning streak.
Speaking with MMA Junkie, Pantoja said he will not think about Horiguchi until after his fight with Van.
“I don’t want to think about [a fight with Horiguchi] right now because I have Joshua Van, a very good fighter.”
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