Kyoji Horiguchi is all set to make his grand return to the UFC after 10 years of parting ways with the promotion. He vacated the Rizin championship to take on the fiercest competition inside the world’s best MMA platform once again. A lot of fans are buzzing about a potential showdown against Alexandre Pantoja in the foreseeable future. But you know what? Demetrious Johnson thinks the champion might be a little too tough for the Japanese fighter.

As Alexandre Pantoja’s championship reign is getting progressively dominant, the promotion decided to bring in the Japanese juggernaut Kai Asakura to face him at UFC 310. However, ‘The Cannibal’ made quick work of him by locking in a rear-naked-choke in the second round, displaying his incredible Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

As Kyoji Horiguchi prepares to compete in the UFC, fans are excited to see how he will perform against the current champion. With his extensive experience fighting top competitors around the world and his recent performances in the UFC, many are rallying behind him as he makes his grand return. However, his former opponent, Demetrious Johnson, believes that the champion will pose a significant challenge to Horiguchi.

During an interview with Submission Radio, ‘Mighty Mouse’ said, “I think Pantoja does. I think Pantoja could take a shot. You know Pantoja hasn’t been hurt in all of his UFC career from what we have seen. I think when it comes down [to it], it’s going to be Pantoja. I think Pantoja [will win]. He has a guard and a chin. He also has great grappling.”

‘Mighty Mouse’ is absolutely correct. We are yet to see Alexandre Pantoja extremely hurt inside the octagon. He fought a tremendous battle against Brandon Moreno at UFC 290, winning the title in the process. In that fight, the Brazilian was drenched in blood but seemed unfazed and took the fight to Moreno. Brandon Royval also landed some damaging strikes, and again, none of them were strong enough to wobble ‘The Cannibal’. 

Kyoji Horiguchi’s inclusion in the flyweight division could develop a good storyline. His 15 years of fighting is nothing but a testament to his resilience, and that’s exactly why his possible encounter against the current champion is intriguing. But, there is another fact that takes this match, up a notch!

Alexandre Pantoja and Kyoji Horiguchi can be a new teammates-turned-rivals storyline

The UFC flyweight division has incredible fighters who are the masters of their crafts. The fights in the lightest division for men in the UFC are also very exciting and fast-paced. But, there was always a lack of captivating storyline among the flyweights which is yet to get audiences invested on a personal level. 

Manel Kape and Kai Kara-France started to catch a little heat. However, the promotion never squared them off, losing out on an opportunity to set up a grudge match. For sure, Moreno and Figueiredo’s rivalry was a good enough storyline, but it ended as soon as it began, despite being played over four fights. 

Now, with Kyoji Horiguchi and Alexandre Pantoja, we might witness a teammates-turned-rivals situation. Yes, you heard it right! Horiguchi was helping ‘The Cannibal’ out ahead of his main event bout against Kai Asakura. 

Pantoja in the UFC 310 countdown video said, “Kyoji is one of the best partners that I’ve had in my whole life. He’s a Samurai, an amazing guy, an amazing opportunity to train with him. I’ve seen Kyoji fight Kai two times, and in one of them, he won, he beat Horiguchi. That for me, someone who can beat Kyoji is someone who has a lot of power; but in their next fight, Kyoji killed that guy.

Will Kyoji Horiguchi fight Alexandre Pantoja for the championship? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.