Kyoji Horiguchi has long been a name synonymous with excellence in mixed martial arts. Making his UFC debut in 2013 with an impressive 11-1 record, he quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic flyweights in the world. Over the course of eight fights in the Octagon, Horiguchi went 7-1, with his only loss coming against the legendary Demetrious Johnson in a flyweight title bout. That fight was notable not only for Horiguchi’s resilience but also for Johnson’s last-second submission victory—one of the latest stoppages in UFC history.
Following his UFC stint, Horiguchi chose to return to Japan, signing with RIZIN in 2016. This move was seen as a strategic decision to help elevate the status of Japanese MMA. His tenure in RIZIN cemented his place as an all-time great, as he dominated the bantamweight division and secured wins over elite opponents such as Manel Kape, Kai Asakura, and Sergio Pettis. His ability to adapt and evolve as a fighter was evident as he continued to refine his striking and grappling skills, making him a formidable opponent across multiple promotions.
The GOAT Debate: Kyoji Horiguchi’s Historic Achievements
Horiguchi’s success extended beyond RIZIN, as he also competed in Bellator, achieving a feat that few fighters in history can claim—holding championships in two major organizations simultaneously. In 2018, he successfully defended his RIZIN bantamweight title against Bellator champion Darrion Caldwell in a cross-promotional showdown. This victory set up a rematch at Bellator 222, where Horiguchi once again triumphed, securing the Bellator Bantamweight Championship and etching his name into the history books as a dual champion.
Fast forward to RIZIN 45 in December 2023, and Horiguchi made history again, submitting Makoto Shinryu to become RIZIN’s inaugural flyweight champion. With this victory, he became the first fighter in RIZIN’s history to hold titles in two different weight classes. Such accomplishments led his American Top Team teammate, Adriano Moraes, to declare that Horiguchi has earned the right to do whatever he wants in his career. Moraes, a former ONE Championship flyweight titleholder, emphasized Horiguchi’s discipline and legacy, calling him one of the greatest of all time in the sport.
The Next Chapter: UFC Return and Future Contenders
The latest reports from MMA insider Ariel Helwani suggest that Horiguchi is on the verge of making a return to the UFC, nearly a decade after his departure. The rumored event is UFC’s debut in Azerbaijan, slated for June 2025, with #11-ranked Tagir Ulanbekov potentially being his first opponent back in the Octagon. While fans are eager to see how he fares against the new wave of flyweight talent, his return also raises questions about how his presence will impact the division.
One of the biggest talking points is the status of current UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who also trains at American Top Team. With both fighters sharing the same camp, a potential title clash between them seems unlikely, but it does open up intriguing possibilities for future matchups. If Horiguchi can establish himself as a title contender, Pantoja might consider moving up to bantamweight to avoid a conflict of interest.
Beyond Ulanbekov, other exciting matchups await Horiguchi in the UFC. Familiar foes like Kai Asakura and Manel Kape could provide compelling rematches, while fresh challenges from elite contenders such as Brandon Moreno, Brandon Royval, and Muhammad Mokaev could push him to new heights. Given his vast experience, well-rounded skill set, and championship pedigree, Horiguchi’s return has the potential to rejuvenate the UFC flyweight division, which has been searching for new stars to challenge its reigning champion.
Conclusion: Can Horiguchi Become UFC Champion?
With a career record of 34-5, Kyoji Horiguchi’s accolades speak for themselves. He has already conquered multiple promotions and tested himself against some of the best fighters in the world. His return to the UFC signifies unfinished business, and fans are eager to see if he can finally claim the flyweight gold that eluded him in his first stint.
While his age and past injuries could be factors in his performance, his recent form suggests that he is still at the top of his game. If he can successfully navigate his way through the UFC’s stacked flyweight division, there is little doubt that he will be in contention for the title in the near future. Whether he can dethrone the current champion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Kyoji Horiguchi’s return is one of the most exciting storylines in MMA today.
