He's become a target! While recovering from injury, Pantoja receives a definitive challenge from a friend in the UFC: 'I want to show who's the best'

Horiguchi focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Kyoji Horiguchi He impressed on his return to the UFC and, as could not be otherwise, dreams of becoming the flyweight champion (up to 57 kg). This Saturday (7), in Las Vegas (USA), the Japanese fighter faces amir albazi And if he wins again, he'll be in a great position to compete for the title. On a high in the division, the veteran could cross paths with... Alexandre pantoja, his friend and training partner at the 'American Top Team' gym, and he didn't shy away from the topic.

Excited, Horiguchi expressed his desire to face the Brazilian either as champion or with the Brazilian returning to the top of the flyweight division. Currently, Pantoja is recovering from an injury sustained in his fight against... Joshua VanIn December, the veteran dislocated his arm when he put his weight on the ground and, unable to compete, lost the fight and the belt.

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Since the fight ended quickly and controversially, many imagine that Pantoja might get an immediate rematch against his tormentor. Dana White, however, indicated that the Brazilian will likely take some time to return to action, and therefore it's probable that Van will face... Manel kape, Tatsuro Taira Or Horiguchi. In any case, the former title challenger in the division sees his friend as a rival.

“He’s improving. I think he’s ready to get back to training. I want to challenge him, or I’ll take the belt and he’ll challenge me. That’s a good story, and I want to do it. It’s not just a friendly rivalry. Who is the strongest, the best flyweight in the world? In training, that gets a little fake. That’s why I want to show everyone who’s the best in the fight,” said the athlete at the UFC Vegas 113 media day.

The fight could become a reality.

Two of the best flyweight fighters in MMA history, Horiguchi and Pantoja, understand that a duel between them is perfectly feasible. In fact, the Japanese fighter challenged his friend more than once when the latter was the champion of the division. For his part, the Brazilian agreed to face his training partner, acknowledging his quality and explaining that he would never let that stop him from pursuing his dream of fighting for the title.