Horiguchi defeats Ulanbekov at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Kyoji Horiguchi He returned with a vengeance to the world's largest MMA organization. UFC Qatar, event held this Saturday (22), the Japanese faced Tagir Ulanbekov, friend of Khabib Nurmagomedov, in the flyweight division (up to 57 kg) and won without difficulty. His training partner Alexandre pantoja, champion of the category, on the 'American Top Team' team, simply 'knocked out' his opponent, finishing him in the third round.
Thus, Horiguchi started his second stint in the UFC in the best possible way. In his first, the Japanese fighter stood out and even competed for the flyweight title in 2015, but was submitted by the legendary [opponent's name]. Demetrious JohnsonThe athlete was also the flyweight and bantamweight champion of Rizin and the bantamweight champion of Bellator. Not surprisingly, the veteran is considered one of the best MMA fighters in Japanese history. Excited by the triumph, Kyoji took the opportunity to issue a respectful challenge to his friend Pantoja, as he had always desired the belt in that category.
See too
Dominant return
Faster and more aggressive, Horiguchi didn't stop in the octagon and relied on kicks. In turn, Tagir also threw kicks, but had difficulty finding his opponent. Gaining confidence, the Japanese fighter landed a powerful punch on the Russian. In response, Tagir startled Horiguchi with a high kick. Against the cage, the Russian scored with knee strikes and took the Japanese fighter down, but couldn't control him. Standing, the athletes continued exchanging kicks and punches with everything they had.
In the second round, Horiguchi returned more aggressively and rocked Tagir with a powerful overhand and kick. On the ground, the Japanese fighter attacked the Russian and escaped a submission attempt. In control of the fight, Horiguchi continued to land punches on Tagir, who, hurt, could only defend himself. In the striking exchanges, Horiguchi landed a powerful low kick that immediately caused Tagir to react. Sharp on his feet, the Japanese fighter went after the Russian, took him down and punished him.
In the third and final round, Horiguchi hurt Tagir with a low kick and a straight punch. With the Russian on the ground, the Japanese fighter showed all his aggression and launched a series of punches. Tired and lacking confidence, Tagir was easy prey for Horiguchi. The Japanese fighter even landed a high kick that almost knocked the Russian out. Then, Horiguchi submitted Tagir with a rear-naked choke.
Watch Kyoji Horiguchi's submission of Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Qatar.
Horiguchi makes sleep Ulanboekov on an exit arrière dans le R3 !
The Japanese sign a magnificent return to the UFC with -57kg after 9 years at the end of the American organization pic.twitter.com/5cd7hKwsBr
— RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportCombat) November 22, 2025
Pimblett's friend impresses.
Riley celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Friend and training partner of Paddy Pimblett, luke riley His debut on caused quite a stir. UFC QatarIn the featherweight division (up to 65,8 kg), the Englishman faced Bogdan Grad and showed calmness and composure during the fight.
While Riley was at a disadvantage in the first round, being controlled on the ground, he definitively retaliated in the second. The Englishman knocked Grad down with a cross to his face. With his opponent in a precarious position on the ground, the fighter finished the fight with ground and pound, forcing the referee to stop the bout.
In this way, Riley achieved his first UFC victory and also defended his undefeated record in MMA. Happy with his friend's performance and triumph, Pimblett celebrated from outside the octagon.
Watch Luke Riley's knockout of Bogdan Grad at UFC Qatar.
View this photo on Instagram
UFC Qatar Results
MAIN CARD
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Arman Tsarukyan derrotou Dan Hooker by submission (katagatame) at 3:44 of round 2
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Ian Gary derrotou Belal Muhammad | by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Volkan oezdemir derrotou Alonzo Menifield by knockout (punch) at 1:27 of round 1
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Myktybek Orolbai derrotou Jack hermansson by knockout (punch) at 2:46 of round 1
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Waldo Cortes-Acosta derrotou Shamil Gaziev by knockout (punch) at 1:22 of round 1
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Kyoji Horiguchi derrotou Tagir Ulanbekov via submission (rear naked choke) at 2min18s of R3
PRELIMINARY CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): luke riley derrotou Bogdan Grad by technical knockout (punches) at 30 seconds of round 2
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Nicholas Dalby derrotou Saygid Izagakhmaev by split decision of the judges (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Asu Almabayev derrotou Alex Perez by submission (guillotine choke) at 22 seconds of round 3
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev derrotou Raffael Cerqueira by submission (rear-naked choke) at 33 seconds of round 1
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Alexander Topuria defeated Bekzat Almakhan by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ismail Naurdiev derrotou Ryan Loder by knockout (punch) at 1min26sec of R1
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Nurullo Aliev derrotou Shem Rock by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Denzel Freeman derrotou Marek Bujło by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
You need login To comment.