Pantoja's partner is eyeing the belt and considering a fight against a Brazilian after his victory at UFC Vegas 113.

Alexandre Pantoja was injured at UFC 323. Photo: UFC Eurasia

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Kyoji Horiguchi is not willing to give up a title fight to benefit his friend Alexandre Pantoja . Despite being training partners at American Top Team, the Japanese fighter has made it clear that, as he approaches the top of the UFC flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg), he does not intend to put friendship above the biggest goal of his career.

In a press conference after his victory at UFC Vegas 113, Horiguchi reiterated that his total focus is on winning the title and guaranteed that he will continue training intensely to reach the belt. The Japanese fighter stated that he will face whoever holds the title, whether it's Pantoja or any other athlete in the division. Furthermore, he emphasized that he considers the Brazilian the true champion of the division, classifying the recent situation as an accident.

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“Of course I want to win the belt soon. I’ll keep training, I’m totally focused on the belt. If the champion is Pantoja, then (the opponent) is Pantoja. If it’s the other guy, then it’s the other guy… I think he’s the real champion. It was an accident and I believe he’s the real champion,” said Horiguchi.

Kyoji Horiguchi defeated Amir Almazi at UFC Vegas 113

Kyoji Horiguchi of Japan reacts after defeating Amir Albazi of Iraq in a flyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Meta APEX on February 7, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

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Kyoji Horiguchi showed that he deserves a title shot in the UFC. The Japanese fighter entered the UFC Vegas 113, held last Saturday (7), dominated Amir Albazi and had his arm raised by unanimous decision of the judges. With the victory, Horiguchi reached the incredible mark of 36 career wins and only 5 losses.

After winning UFC Vegas 113, Kyoji Horiguchi should be ranked sixth in the next ranking update and move closer to a title shot in the division led by Joshua Van.

Alexandre Pantoja is no longer the UFC champion.

Although Kyoji Horiguchi sees Alexandre Pantoja as a potential title contender, the Brazilian no longer holds the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg). Pantoja fought at UFC 323 against Joshua Van , but despite starting the fight putting pressure on the prospect, he ended up getting injured just 27 seconds into the bout.

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