Kyoji Horiguchi’s Grand Return: The Japanese Phenom Chases UFC Gold

After a nine-year hiatus from the sport’s biggest stage, Japanese mixed martial arts sensation Kyoji Horiguchi is finally stepping back into the UFC Octagon this weekend. His highly anticipated return against Tagir Ulanbekov in Qatar marks a pivotal moment for the flyweight division and for Horiguchi’s long-standing ambition: to become the first Japanese fighter to claim a UFC championship.

A Legacy Reborn: The Journey Back to the UFC

It’s been a remarkable journey for Kyoji Horiguchi since his last UFC bout in 2016. At that time, he departed the promotion on a three-fight winning streak with an impressive 7-1 record, his only loss being a last-second armbar submission against the legendary Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson for the flyweight title at UFC 186. Many wondered what could have been.

“Wow! I didn’t know that,” Horiguchi exclaimed when reminded of the nine-year gap. But during that extended period away from the UFC spotlight, Horiguchi cemented his status as one of the world’s elite fighters, dominating other major organizations:

• Rizin Grand Prix Champion (2017): He tore through the competition, including a submission victory over Manel Kape and a knockout of Shintaro Ishiwatari.
• Rizin Bantamweight Champion (2018): Further solidifying his dominance in Japan.
• Bellator Bantamweight Champion: Capturing a second major international title.
• Rizin Flyweight Champion: Winning and successfully defending the title, showcasing his versatility across weight classes.

Now, at 35, Kyoji Horiguchi returns with an unwavering focus. “I want to find out who’s the best in the world; that’s why I came back to the UFC,” he stated, articulating his singular purpose.

The Quest for Japanese UFC Gold

Horiguchi’s ultimate ambition is deeply personal and national. He aims to make history as the first Japanese fighter to win a UFC title. Only six Japanese fighters have ever competed for UFC gold, a list that Horiguchi himself previously joined. His return is not just for individual glory but to elevate the sport’s profile in his home country.

“If I get the belt, it means a lot because I’m a little bit famous in Japan, so it would make me and the UFC more popular in Japan. I want to make it popular,” he explained, emphasizing the broader impact of his potential victory. This goal resonates with fans who have long awaited a Japanese champion on the global stage.

An Intriguing Dynamic: Teammates and Title Aspirations

Interestingly, the current UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, is Horiguchi’s teammate and training partner at American Top Team. This presents a fascinating internal dynamic, with Horiguchi playfully challenging Pantoja during training. “When I see Pantoja, I am always saying, ‘I will beat your a**!'” he chuckled, describing their friendly rivalry. While an all-ATT championship clash remains a hypothetical scenario for now, it’s a testament to the high-level talent within the renowned gym like American Top Team.

The First Hurdle: Tagir Ulanbekov

Kyoji Horiguchi’s return won’t be an easy walk. He faces a formidable opponent in Tagir Ulanbekov, a dangerous Russian contender representing the esteemed Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov lineage. Ulanbekov (17-2) has quietly built an impressive four-fight winning streak, including two decision victories this year, propelling him to a career-high ranking. He’s a true dark horse in the division, and a significant test for Horiguchi.

Despite Ulanbekov being outside the immediate top 5 or 10, Horiguchi recognizes the importance of this bout. “He’s not in the Top 5 or Top 10 — he’s actually No. 11 — but I need to beat him before challenging for the ultimate goal,” he stated. This matchup is a crucial step on his path to championship contention.

When asked about his prediction for the fight, the always-candid Horiguchi offered a humble response: “I don’t know. I’m not fighting yet, so we will see in the Octagon.” This focus on the immediate challenge underscores his veteran mentality.

The Flyweight Division: Deeper Than Ever

Horiguchi’s return coincides with an incredibly exciting time for the UFC flyweight division. With a stacked roster of elite talent and thrilling matchups on the horizon, the 125-pound weight class has never been more competitive. “Right now, there are a lot of very tough fighters,” Horiguchi acknowledged. “I’m excited to join the division.” His presence only adds more intrigue and star power to an already captivating landscape.

Don’t Miss the Action!

The return of Kyoji Horiguchi is a must-watch event for any MMA fan. Witness history in the making as this Japanese legend begins his renewed quest for UFC gold. Be sure to tune in to UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs Hooker, live from ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, on November 22, 2025. Prelims start at 10 AM ET/7 AM PT, followed by the main card at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT.

For more details on Kyoji Horiguchi’s career and stats, visit his official UFC athlete profile.