Ali Akbar Rosady
Kyoji Horiguchi, the celebrated Japanese martial artist, made a spectacular return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon after a nine-year hiatus, delivering a dominant performance culminating in a third-round head kick and rear-naked choke submission victory over Dagestani contender Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Fight Night Qatar on Saturday. The emphatic finish, which saw Ulanbekov rendered unconscious at the 2:18 mark of the final round, immediately re-establishes Horiguchi as a significant threat in the flyweight division and sets the stage for potential championship contention.
The highly anticipated bout, part of the UFC’s inaugural event in Qatar, marked Horiguchi’s first appearance under the UFC banner since his departure in 2016. During his time away, the former one-time UFC flyweight title challenger carved out an illustrious career across Japan’s RIZIN Fighting Federation and Bellator MMA in the United States, capturing multiple championships and solidifying his status as one of the world’s elite bantamweights and flyweights. His return to the UFC’s 125-pound division was met with considerable excitement, and he wasted no time in demonstrating that his skills have not diminished.
Facing Horiguchi was Tagir Ulanbekov, a formidable opponent known for his relentless Dagestani wrestling and improving striking. Entering the contest, Ulanbekov, aged 32, held a professional record of 17 wins and 3 losses, with a UFC record of 6-2. He was ranked as the #12 contender in the flyweight division, having secured impressive victories over opponents like Nate Maness and Allan Nascimento. Ulanbekov’s southpaw stance, significant height, and reach advantage, coupled with his strong grappling pedigree, presented a clear challenge for the returning Horiguchi. Many observers noted Ulanbekov’s consistent pressure and ability to wear down opponents as a key factor to watch.
Kyoji Horiguchi, aged 35, brought an even more extensive and decorated resume into the cage. Before his initial UFC exit, he had compiled a 7-1 record within the promotion, with his only loss coming in a championship bout against then-dominant flyweight king Demetrious Johnson. Post-UFC, Horiguchi achieved unprecedented success, becoming the first-ever RIZIN Bantamweight Champion and later unifying the RIZIN and Bellator Bantamweight titles by defeating Darrion Caldwell. His overall professional record stood at an impressive 30-4, showcasing a blend of elite karate striking, blistering speed, powerful leg kicks, and an underrated submission game. His training at American Top Team further refined his all-around mixed martial arts skillset.
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From the opening bell, the fight was a tactical affair, with both fighters demonstrating their respective strengths. In the first round, Ulanbekov utilized his reach effectively, attempting to establish his jab and control the distance. He frequently switched stances and looked to close the gap for takedown attempts, leveraging his wrestling background. Horiguchi, however, showcased his exceptional footwork and head movement, often slipping Ulanbekov’s punches and countering with sharp, quick combinations. While Ulanbekov managed to secure a brief takedown against the fence midway through the round, Horiguchi quickly scrambled back to his feet, denying his opponent any significant ground control. The exchanges on the feet were fast-paced, with Horiguchi landing several clean right hands and low kicks that began to chip away at Ulanbekov’s lead leg.
The second round saw Horiguchi grow increasingly comfortable, finding his rhythm and range. His karate-based striking became more pronounced, as he started to string together multi-punch combinations and incorporate feints to open up Ulanbekov’s guard. Ulanbekov continued his attempts to pressure and initiate grappling exchanges, but Horiguchi’s takedown defense, honed over years of high-level competition, proved impenetrable. As the round progressed, Horiguchi’s speed advantage became evident, allowing him to enter and exit striking range with minimal damage. Towards the end of the second frame, a crisp body shot from Horiguchi appeared to momentarily stun Ulanbekov, who showed signs of slowing down, his movements becoming less explosive. The momentum clearly shifted in favor of the Japanese veteran.
As the third round commenced, the toll of Horiguchi’s consistent pressure and precise striking was visibly impacting Ulanbekov. His defensive reactions were slower, and his offensive output had diminished. Horiguchi, sensing his opponent fading, ramped up his aggression. He maintained a high pace, mixing his targets between the head and body. Approximately two minutes into the final round, Horiguchi unleashed a perfectly timed and disguised left high kick. The kick landed flush on Ulanbekov’s head, sending the Dagestani fighter crashing to the canvas.
Without hesitation, Horiguchi pounced, delivering a series of ground and pound strikes. As Ulanbekov attempted to defend, Horiguchi seamlessly transitioned to his back, securing the body triangle and sinking in a deep rear-naked choke. With the choke locked in, Horiguchi tightened his grip, and Ulanbekov, caught in the suffocating hold, quickly lost consciousness without being able to tap. Referee Herb Dean promptly intervened, pulling Horiguchi off to stop the contest at 2 minutes and 18 seconds of the third round, securing a definitive submission victory for Kyoji Horiguchi.
The atmosphere in the Lusail Sports Arena erupted as Horiguchi celebrated his triumphant return. Speaking through an interpreter in his post-fight interview, a visibly elated Horiguchi expressed his profound satisfaction. "I feel really good right now," Horiguchi stated. "Because I come back to UFC. This is my dream!" His words resonated with long-time fans who had followed his journey outside the promotion.
The victory immediately propels Horiguchi into the upper echelon of the flyweight division, signaling his serious intentions for championship gold. His performance demonstrated that despite his time away, he remains a top-tier talent with the skills to compete with the best. The win will undoubtedly see him re-enter the official UFC rankings, likely within the top 10, setting the stage for significant matchups in the near future.
In a bold and direct move, Horiguchi then seized the opportunity to call out the reigning UFC Flyweight Champion, Alexandre Pantoja. "Where’s Pantoja?" Horiguchi shouted, looking towards the cameras. "He’s my teammate but it doesn’t matter. I will beat your ass! A fight is a fight, it’s business." Pantoja, who has successfully defended his title multiple times since claiming it in 2023, is known for his aggressive, high-pressure style and strong submission game, making a potential clash with Horiguchi a compelling prospect for fight fans. The callout of a teammate, while unusual, highlights Horiguchi’s singular focus on reclaiming the UFC title he once vied for.
For Tagir Ulanbekov, the loss represents a setback in his climb up the flyweight rankings. While he showed glimpses of his potential, Horiguchi’s experience, speed, and finishing ability proved too much on the night. Ulanbekov will need to regroup and refine his game to contend with the division’s elite.
UFC Fight Night Qatar marked a significant step in the UFC’s strategic expansion into the Middle East, with the event showcasing high-caliber mixed martial arts to a new audience. Horiguchi’s electrifying performance served as a fitting highlight, ensuring his return will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the flyweight division’s evolving landscape. The prospect of Horiguchi challenging Pantoja, a fellow American Top Team member, adds an intriguing layer of narrative to the already competitive 125-pound weight class, promising exciting times ahead for the division.
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