When Kyoji Horiguchi stepped back into the UFC octagon on November 22, 2025, it wasn’t just a fight—it was a redemption arc written in sweat, scar tissue, and sheer will. Nine years after his last UFC bout, the 34-year-old Japanese striker silenced doubters with a third-round rear-naked choke submission over Tagir Ulanbekov at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The win wasn’t just a comeback; it was a statement. And it came after Horiguchi voluntarily gave up the Rizin Fighting Federation flyweight title, a move that shocked fans but made perfect sense to those who’ve followed his journey.
A Career Defined by Comebacks
Horiguchi’s path hasn’t been linear. He first rose to prominence in Japan’s Pride FC, then carved out a niche in Bellator MMA, where he held the bantamweight title. But in October 2019, everything changed. A devastating ACL tear during training required surgery and a 15-month layoff. By November 2019, he was forced to vacate the Bellator belt. Scott Coker, president of Bellator, confirmed at the time that Horiguchi’s contract included a rematch clause—but the injury made defending it impossible. "It wasn’t just a physical setback," Coker told MMA Junkie in 2020. "It was a psychological one. Few fighters come back from that."Horiguchi proved them wrong. He returned in December 2020 at Rizin 26 in Saitama, Japan, rematching Kai Asakura. "It was my goal to dispel any rumors about ACL injuries finishing an athlete’s career," he said afterward. He didn’t just return—he thrived. Over the next four years, he built a new legacy in Rizin Fighting Federation, winning the flyweight title in 2023 and defending it twice: against Manel Kape in December 2023, then Sergio Pettis in June 2024.
The Rizin Title and the UFC Call
On December 31, 2024, Horiguchi defended his Rizin belt against South Africa’s Nkazimulo Zulu at Rizin 49 in Saitama, winning by unanimous decision. It was his fifth consecutive win since returning from injury. But in March 2025, he made a quiet, deliberate decision: he’d vacate the title. Why? Because the UFC called. And despite his success in Japan, the UFC remained the pinnacle.His re-signing with the UFC, confirmed on March 28, 2025, was the first time he’d signed with the organization since November 2016. He was initially slated to face Ulanbekov on June 21, 2025, at UFC on ABC 8 in London—but withdrew for undisclosed reasons. The fight was rescheduled for November 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. Horiguchi didn’t just win—he dominated. After weathering Ulanbekov’s early pressure, he locked in the choke in the third round, a technique he’s used since his Bellator days. "I didn’t come back to fight for respect," Horiguchi said post-fight. "I came back to win. And I’m not done."
Training Grounds and Legacy
Horiguchi’s training base has been just as crucial as his fight record. He’s been a fixture at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, since 2022. Coached by the legendary Dan Lambert’s team, he’s refined his striking and grappling under some of the best in the game. "He’s the most disciplined guy we’ve had in the flyweight room," said assistant coach John Crouch. "He doesn’t train to stay relevant. He trains to be the best."His return has already reshaped the UFC flyweight landscape. With the title currently vacant after Deiveson Figueiredo’s retirement, Horiguchi’s name is now in the conversation. A win over Ulanbekov—a top-10 contender—puts him in line for a title eliminator. And at 34, he’s not just surviving; he’s peaking.
What’s Next?
The UFC has yet to announce his next opponent, but sources close to the organization say Horiguchi is being eyed for a matchup against Alex Perez or Sergio Pettis in a rematch. Pettis, who lost to Horiguchi in 2024, has publicly called for a second fight. "I’ve got unfinished business," Pettis said in a recent interview. "He’s better than ever. That’s why I want him again."Meanwhile, Rizin has moved on. The flyweight title was claimed by Japanese rising star Tatsuya Kawajiri in a tournament final in April 2025. Horiguchi’s departure leaves a void, but also cements his legacy: a fighter who conquered two of the world’s most competitive promotions, survived a career-threatening injury, and returned stronger than ever.
Why This Matters
Horiguchi’s story isn’t just about one fighter’s comeback. It’s about what’s possible when discipline meets opportunity. He didn’t chase fame in the UFC—he waited for the right moment. He didn’t rush back after surgery. He rebuilt. And now, at an age when most fighters fade, he’s on the cusp of a title shot in the world’s biggest MMA organization.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kyoji Horiguchi’s knee injury affect his career trajectory?
Horiguchi’s ACL tear in October 2019 forced him to vacate his Bellator Bantamweight title after a 15-month hiatus. He missed nearly two years of competition, and many assumed his prime was over. But his disciplined rehab and move to American Top Team allowed him to return not just healthy, but improved—shifting focus from bantamweight to flyweight, where he found new success in Rizin before returning to the UFC.
Why did Horiguchi vacate the Rizin Flyweight Championship?
He vacated the title in March 2025 to pursue a UFC return, signaling his intent to compete for a world title in the sport’s premier organization. While Rizin offered him stability and fan support, the UFC’s global platform and title opportunities were the ultimate goal. His decision was strategic, not emotional—proving he’s still playing the long game.
What’s the significance of Horiguchi’s win over Tagir Ulanbekov?
Ulanbekov was ranked #7 in the UFC flyweight division and had won six straight fights before facing Horiguchi. The rear-naked choke finish wasn’t just a win—it was a statement that Horiguchi belongs in the title conversation. It also marked his first UFC victory since 2016, making him the first fighter in history to win in the UFC after a nine-year absence.
How does Horiguchi’s return impact the UFC flyweight division?
With the title vacant since Deiveson Figueiredo’s retirement, Horiguchi’s win places him among the top contenders. He’s now in line for a title eliminator against the winner of the Perez vs. O’Malley bout. His experience, technical striking, and submission skills make him a dangerous matchup for any current top-5 fighter, potentially reshaping the division’s hierarchy in 2026.
Is Horiguchi still training at American Top Team?
Yes. Since 2022, Horiguchi has trained full-time at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. His coaches credit his improved grappling and fight IQ to the team’s high-level sparring partners and sports science staff. He’s now considered one of ATT’s most complete fighters across all weight classes, despite being in his mid-30s.
What’s the likelihood of Horiguchi winning a UFC title?
It’s higher than most assume. At 34, he’s physically prime, mentally sharp, and has proven he can beat elite competition. With a win over Ulanbekov and a strong camp behind him, a title shot could come as early as mid-2026. If he defeats the next top contender, he’ll be the oldest flyweight champion in UFC history—and the first to win titles in Bellator, Rizin, and UFC.
