UFC Champ Alexandre Pantoja Accepts Kyoji Horiguchi’s Call Out - Teammate vs. Teammate Showdown? (2026)

In a surprising turn of events, the UFC Flyweight division is about to witness a potential clash between two friends and training partners. Will loyalty prevail or will we see a rare teammate vs. teammate showdown?

Kyoji Horiguchi, a seasoned fighter, made a stunning comeback at UFC Qatar, dominating and defeating the highly-ranked Tagir Ulanbekov. In a heartwarming yet intense moment, Horiguchi called out his long-time teammate and current UFC Flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, for a title shot.

Pantoja, known for his humility, graciously accepted the challenge, praising Horiguchi's skills and their friendship. He acknowledged that Horiguchi's presence in his training camp significantly contributed to his success in the UFC. With Horiguchi's impressive resume, including championships in RIZIN and Bellator, Pantoja believes a UFC title would be the ultimate achievement.

The champion is set to defend his belt against the formidable Joshua Van next weekend at UFC 323. Should he emerge victorious, Pantoja is willing to grant Horiguchi his wish, creating a highly anticipated matchup. Pantoja admits that fighting a friend will be emotionally challenging, but he understands the significance of such a fight.

While teammates rarely face each other in modern MMA due to loyalty, when it does occur, it generates intense interest and excitement. The potential Pantoja vs. Horiguchi bout promises to be a historic Flyweight contest, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.

But here's where it gets controversial: Should teammates ever fight each other, or is loyalty the ultimate virtue in MMA? Share your thoughts below!

UFC Champ Alexandre Pantoja Accepts Kyoji Horiguchi’s Call Out - Teammate vs. Teammate Showdown? (2026)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 5396

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.