Kyoji Horiguchi is a former UFC flyweight title challenger. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Considered one of the biggest Asian stars to ever step into the UFC octagon, Kyoji Horiguchi is preparing to return to the organization nine years after his departure. A former flyweight title challenger (up to 56,7 kg) and training partner of Alexandre pantoja, the fighter began preparation to face Tagir Ulanbekov on November 22nd at UFC Qatar and is just waiting for the contract to be sent. The information was obtained firsthand by the reporter of SUPER FIGHTS, Leo Guimarães.
In the penultimate fight of his contract in 2016, when he fought for the title against Demetrious Johnson and was defeated in the final seconds of the fight, Kyoji ended up making one more appearance and then opted not to renew with the organization. At the time, the athlete received better offers from RIZIN, which allowed for luxuries not found in the UFC.
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In 2018, upon joining the Japanese organization, Horiguchi won the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg). He then became Bellator champion by defeating Darrion Caldwell in a joint event, and in 2023, he became the first athlete to take the flyweight title at RIZIN. The star currently has 34 wins and four losses on his professional record.
Currently ranked 12th in the division reigned by Pantoja, Ulanbekov, who is a training partner of Islam makhachev and the Nurmagomedov clan, is riding high on four consecutive victories. The first fight against Horiguchi was scheduled to take place at UFC Baku, in June of this year, but the Japanese injured his rib and was forced to withdraw from the fight.
Read More about: exclusive access, Kyoji Horiguchi, MMA, Tagir Ulanbekov, UFC, UFC Qatar, Ultimate
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