Back in 2013, the UFC signed a promising talent from Japan, believing he would become their biggest flyweight star. And he lived up to every bit of that expectation. With an impressive UFC record of 7 wins and just one loss, Kyoji Horiguchi cemented himself as one of the division’s finest. Yet, at the height of his career, he shocked the MMA world by walking away to forge his own path. Eight years later, with both Rizin Bantamweight and Bellator flyweight belts under his banner, the Japanese legend has come forward to express his winningness to return to the Octagon. And this might give some sleepless nights to Team Khabib.
Renowned MMA Journalist, Ariel Helwani was the first voice to break the news about Kyoji Horiguchi’s return under the Dana White banner. “I’m hearing from multiple sources that the UFC is very close to welcoming back former UFC title contender, former Rizin bantamweight belt winner, and potentially former Rizin flyweight champion—the great and very popular pride of Japan, Kyoji Horiguchi,” said Helwani as he couldn’t contain his excitement.
Well, the Japanese did give the rumors of his comeback last year when he said, “But I do have the feeling of wanting to make another challenge in the UFC.” Fast forward to 2025, the rumor is now a fact as Horiguchi on his YouTube handle has claimed that his team is currently in negotiations with the UFC, “We are currently negotiating with the UFC to make a return. I have the support of Sakakibara but nothing is confirmed yet.”
In a perfect world, if things go according to Dana White’s plan the Japanese hotshot will share the Octagon with Tagir Ulanbekov in Azerbaijan on June 21st. Should Ulanbekov be worried about Horiguchi? Well, let us have a look at his career. The Japanese fighter has a record of 34 victories and only 5 defeats in his decade-long career. He was 7-1 under the UFC management only conceding defeat against Demetrious Johnson.
After his departure from the UFC, Horiguchi challenged the top prospects of Bellator and Rizin, winning their belts. Notably, the Japanese fighter has victories over former Rizin Bantamweight champion Kai Asakura and Manel Kape. In comparison to Horiguchi, the Dagestani stands at a record of 16 victories and 2 defeats and has less experience.
So, should Team Khabib should be worried about Kyoji Horiguchi? If we were to look at the numbers then it’s just palpable that Ulanbekov is the underdog. However, a person under the tutelage of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov doesn’t know what fear tastes like and Tagir Ulanbekov is no different.
Kyoji Horiguchi challenge might mean nothing to Tagir Ulanbekov
Every fighter who has been trained under the guidance of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov knows one thing: giving up is not an option. Just like his peers Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tagir Ulanbekov is also looking to rise to the top of his division. In a conversation with the media, Ulanbekov emphasized why it is so important to claim victory.
“It’s very important for us because he wasn’t just a coach—a regular coach. He spent a lot of time and gave us a lot of motivational stuff, things he taught us about how to be a man in life. The amount of time, the amount of hours that he put into us, it is now our honor, our responsibility to go out and show all of this. It’s not just for us to go out and do whatever we want: we have to continue the legacy, we have to continue to carry his name, continue to do the things that he instilled in us,” said Ulanbekov.
Riding a three-fight winning streak, Ulanbekov could probably clinch the biggest win of his career if he gets past Horiguchi. Given that, what are your thoughts on the hubbub? State your opinion in the comments below.
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