The mixed martial arts landscape often sees fighters come and go, but rarely does an athlete of Kyoji Horiguchi`s caliber stage a return after nearly a decade. A nine-year hiatus from the sport`s premier organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, culminates this November at UFC Qatar, as the former Bellator and Rizin champion steps back into the Octagon. His opponent? A formidable force in the flyweight division, Tagir Ulanbekov, a rising contender mentored by the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. This isn`t just a fight; it`s a narrative of redemption, reinvention, and a clash of generational talents.
Horiguchi`s initial run in the UFC was nothing short of impressive. With a dominant 7-1 record, his only blemish was a late submission loss to arguably the greatest flyweight of all time, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, in a 2015 title bout that went down to the wire. Many felt Horiguchi, then a rapidly developing talent, was merely a few years from reaching his absolute peak. Post-UFC, Horiguchi cemented his status as an elite global competitor, capturing titles in both Bellator and Japan`s esteemed Rizin Fighting Federation, boasting a remarkable 19-3 (1 NC) record outside the Las Vegas-based promotion. He proved his mettle, refined his craft, and collected hardware. Now, at 34, “The Typhoon” is back, seemingly with unfinished business.
His return bout is far from a warm-up. Tagir Ulanbekov, ranked #12 in the flyweight division, represents the new guard. A product of the famed Dagestani wrestling school, Ulanbekov carries the lineage and competitive ferocity often associated with his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. With a solid 6-1 UFC record and currently riding a four-fight win streak, Ulanbekov is a relentless pressure fighter with an ironclad grappling game. For Horiguchi, this isn`t merely about knocking off ring rust; it`s a litmus test against a top-tier, hungry contender who has been actively climbing the ranks while Horiguchi was forging his legend elsewhere. It`s a classic stylistic showdown: Horiguchi`s crisp striking, speed, and well-rounded game against Ulanbekov`s suffocating control and relentless takedowns.
UFC Qatar, scheduled for November 22, is shaping up to be an unmissable event. Beyond Horiguchi`s dramatic return, the card features other significant matchups, including two pivotal number one contender bouts: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker and Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry. Even Aleksandre Topuria, brother to the reigning Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria, will be making his sophomore UFC appearance. This stacked card provides a fitting backdrop for Horiguchi`s comeback, elevating the stakes and ensuring maximum eyeballs on what promises to be a pivotal moment for the flyweight division.
The re-signing of Kyoji Horiguchi sent ripples of excitement through the MMA community earlier this year, and his impending clash with Ulanbekov only amplifies the anticipation. Will Horiguchi demonstrate that his time away has sharpened him, not dulled him? Can he re-enter the shark tank of the UFC flyweight division and immediately challenge its elite, or will Ulanbekov prove to be the gatekeeper to a new era? Nine years is a long time in combat sports, but for a fighter of Horiguchi`s pedigree, it might just be the perfect setup for an unforgettable second act. The Octagon awaits, ready to write the next chapter of “The Typhoon`s” storied career.
