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

Alexandre pantoja got injured in UFC 323Photo: UFC Eurasia

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

In a press conference after his victory at UFC Vegas 113, Horiguchi reinforced 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 a... 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 HoriguchiJapan's team reacts after defeating amir albazi, from 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 He showed that he deserves a title shot in the UFC. The Japanese fighter entered the UFC Vegas 113, held last Saturday (7), and dominated. amir albazi and had his arm raised by unanimous decision of the judges. With the victory, Horiguchi reached an incredible record of 36 wins in his career and only 5 losses.

Upon emerging victorious from UFC Vegas 113, Kyoji Horiguchi He 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.

even though Kyoji Horiguchi to see Alexandre pantoja As a potential opponent in a title fight, the Brazilian currently no longer holds the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg). Pantoja entered the fray in UFC 323 against Joshua Van, but even though he started the fight putting pressure on the prospect, he ended up getting injured just 27 seconds into the fight.