“It was my decision [to leave the UFC], I made this decision, so I have no regrets,” said Kyoji Horiguchi, who went 7-1 under the UFC banner between 2013 and 2016. Arguably one of the biggest flyweight fighters out of Asia, the Japanese star once held both the Rizin Bantamweight and Bellator titles simultaneously, establishing himself as one of the best fighters in the world post-UFC.So, why are we mentioning this? Well, approximately nine years after his UFC departure, Horiguchi seems to be considering a comeback.
Last year, the former Bellator and Rizzin champion stated that he left the UFC on his own accord and he would like to make a comeback to the Dana White-led promotion if given a chance to perform at the highest stage, “But I do have the feeling of wanting to make another challenge in the UFC.” Fast forward to 2025, Dana White appears to be playing a winning game for himself. With a mindset to make the flyweight division more enticing, the UFC head honcho appears to have signed a deal with his former star as reported by Ariel Helwani.
While having a conversation with his audience, Ariel Helwani asserted that he had heard from multiple sources that Kyoji Horiguchi would be finally returning to the UFC years after his departure from the promotion, “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.
He further added, “This is a fighter that a lot of competitors speak very highly of. At the level of the top 10, they call him a good teammate, a professional, and a friend. Everyone loves him, and the fans love him as well. He left the UFC in 2017 when, if you recall, he was on a three-fight losing streak, and he decided to kind of hop back home.”
It appears that his comeback is imminent and guess who will be his opponent and where it will take place? Well according to the reports, #11 ranked flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov is the name being discussed for Kyoji Horiguchi’s comeback opponent. In addition to that, the fight is scheduled to happen on June 21st in Azerbaijan. The return of one of the biggest flyweight prospects has caught the wind of the fans who couldn’t believe what they witnessed. Let us have a look at what the fans have to as.
Kyoji Horiguchi’s UFC comeback move confuses fans as Dana White sends ripples across flyweight division
Starting off, a social media user added that he never heard of Horiguchi’s reign,“Never heard of him. But I’m sure he’d beat me up.” The unreserved Japanese talent began his UFC career in 2013 and remained with the promotion until 2016. During his three-year UFC tenure, his only defeat came at the hands of Demetrious Johnson.
After years of stagnation in the flyweight division, the UFC might be making reforms to restore its former glory. Following the exodus of Demetrious Johnson, the division lost much of its charm. Now, with the rise of Alexandre Pantoja, the current champion appears to be on the verge of clearing out the entire division, leaving few viable challengers in his path. The UFC even brought former RIZIN bantamweight champion, Kai Asakura to clash against the Brazilian, however, even the former champion had to bute dust against ‘Cannibal.’ Looking at this a fan wrote, “Thank goodness flyweight needs new prospects in the roster.”
Apart from Alexandre Pantoja, Brandon Royval, Brandon Moreno, and Manel Kape are some of the few names in the flyweight division with the potential to become champion. However, with Horiguchi’s return to the UFC, things will be much different for them now. With a carreer record of 34 victories and 5 defeats, the Japanese is et to challenge the top dogs of the flyweight division. Looking at this a fan wrote, “If he can make 125, Kyoji will give the top 5 a run for their money!”
Furthermore, a fan believe that UFC should think of brining back Muhammad Mokaev as well, “It’s about damn time. I really hope they do sign him. Bringing back Muhammad Mokaev as well would really beef up the Flyweight division some more.”
Another fan asked, “The UFC answer to Pantoja cleaning out Flyweight?” Well, Pantoja has been the most dominant force within the flyweight division and this might be Daba White’s move to bring some heat at the flyweight division. Last but not the least, a fan added, “Ufc needs Patchy Mix!!!!”
With Kyoji Horiguchi coming back to the flyweight division, do you think that the fighter has what it takes to become the champion at the UFC? State your thoughts in the comments below.
The post “Never Heard of Him” – Fans React at Dana White’s Big Move for Kyoji Horiguchi on Rumored Azerbaijan UFC Card appeared first on EssentiallySports.