Report: Kyoji Horiguchi ‘Very Close’ To Returning To UFC After Eight Years Away

“Guch” is again! (knock on wooden).

Former Bellator Bantamweight Champion and present RIZIN Flyweight Champion Kyoji Horiguchi could be very shut to creating a return to Final Combating Championship (UFC) after seven years away, in response to Ariel Helwani.

Horiguchi (34-5) parted methods with the UFC in early 2017 after opting to not renew his contract. His departure shocked many, given his three-fight successful streak and 7-1 Octagon report, together with his sole loss coming towards Demetrious Johnson in a Flyweight title battle. That bout ended with one of the crucial dramatic (and newest) finishes in UFC historical past (watch highlights).

Submit-UFC, Horiguchi thrived in Bellator and RIZIN, capturing titles in each promotions and amassing a 16-3-1 report exterior the UFC.

In 2024, the 34-year-old expressed curiosity in a UFC return, a sentiment clearly echoed by Dana White and the UFC brass. With the Flyweight division in want of a reputable challenger for champion Alexandre Pantoja, Horiguchi might be the reply.

First, nevertheless, he’s slated to face No. 11-ranked Tagir Ulanbekov, per Helwani, in a bout eyed for UFC Azerbaijan.

Past a possible showdown with Pantoja, Horiguchi additionally has unfinished enterprise with Manel Kape and Kai Asakura, setting the stage for compelling trilogies.