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Alexandre Pantoja is open to defending his UFC flyweight division belt in a fight against a teammate from the American Top Team mat. The Brazilian has hinted at a specific name.
Alexandre Pantoja fought two championship fights in 2023, and also defended the championship title twice in 2024. The UFC flyweight division belt holder last defended his title in December when he submitted Kai Asakura at UFC 310.
Alexandre Pantoja gave an extensive interview to Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting. During the interview, the champion admitted that there are chances that he will have to defend his belt in a future fight against one of his clubmates.
Alexandre Pantoja had a specific name in mind and openly mentioned it. Who is he referring to? It turns out that Pantoja expects it will get to the point where his opponent will be Kyoji Horiguchi, a former Rizin dual champion and Bellator champion.
– We have 100 fighters in American Top Team and all the time there are situations where they have to fight each other in the UFC. Kyoji Horiguchi helped me reach for the belt. I don’t know if I would be champion now if Kyoji wasn’t my sparring partner. I have him here on my side always during training camps. He’s the one who helped me get the belt, and consequently he’s the one who helped my family have a better life.
Alexandre Pantoja clearly emphasized how much he values his sparring and friendship with the Japanese. The champion noted that he always tries to thank his main sparring partner, while also stating that it would be a great pleasure to defend the belt in a fight with Horiguchi.
– Whenever I have the opportunity I try to say, Kyoji thank you. I will not face him if the duel is not a belt. On the other hand, if I’m still the champion then I’d love to. We have even talked about it. I hope I will be able to keep the belt for as long as necessary. We both appreciate such an opportunity. Listen I assure you that when me and Kyoji spar with each other everyone else stops and just watches our sparring. It’s a real gift to have him around.
Alexandre Pantoja did not mention the name of Horiguchi’s opponent in his UFC return, however, he stressed that Kyoji already has a fight lined up. The Brazilian, on the other hand, was scheduled to return to action at UFC 316, which the organization announced on schedules during the gala broadcast on March 1. Ultimately, however, the Newark event will feature two other championship bouts. One can easily deduce that Pantoja will return to action later probably at a numbered gala in July or August.
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