Former Bellator and RIZIN champion Kyoji Horiguchi wants to lock horns with his good friend and American Top Team teammate Alexandre Pantoja.

‘Karate Kid’ made his much-awaited UFC return in 2025 at UFC Qatar and submitted Tagir Ulanbekov in the third round of their flyweight bout. After that win, the 35-year-old demanded a title shot.

At that time, Pantoja was the flyweight kingpin. But, later that year, the Brazilian was dethroned at UFC 323 by Joshua Van after ‘The Cannibal’ dislocated his shoulder in the first minute of the opening stanza.

Alexandre Pantoja deserves an immediate title rematch and is already back in the gym. Meanwhile, top contenders Tatsuro Taira and Manel Kape, after their recent wins, are also itching to fight for the UFC flyweight title.

Kyoji Horiguchi, on the other hand, will return to the octagon this weekend against Amir Albazi at UFC Fight Night 266. A huge win over the No. 6-ranked Albazi could firmly place the No. 8-ranked ‘Karate Kid’ in the title conversation.

Kyoji Horiguchi wants to Face Teammate Alexandre Pantoja, believes ‘The Cannibal’ can reclaim the title by dethroning Joshua Van

On UFC Fight Night 266 media day, Kyoji Horiguchi appeared in an interview with MMA Junkie, where he once again called out Alexandre Pantoja. He is confident that Pantoja can reclaim the title and hopes that after that, the two could fight. However, the 35-year-old also added that if he wins the belt first, then Pantoja would be welcome to challenge him.

“Of course, he [Alexandre Pantoja] can do it [win back title], and I can challenge him, or I get the belt first, and then he challenges me. That’s a good story. I want to do that.”

Horiguchi wants to enter the octagon opposite Pantoja to find out who the best flyweight in the world is. He added:

“It’s not just friendly. It’s about which one is strongest, which one is the best in the world at flyweight. In training, it’s a little bit fake. That’s why I want to do it in the UFC.”

Check out Kyoji Horiguchi’s comments below (3:27):

Pantoja has stated that he is targeting a return by the end of summer.

Before his title loss at UFC 323, Pantoja had praised Kyoji Horiguchi after hearing his callout. ‘The Cannibal’ admitted that Horiguchi has helped him in his journey to become champion, and “it’s going to be a privilege” to face ‘Karate Kid’ someday.