Kyoji Horiguchi, a former champion in multiple organizations, is preparing to make his return to the UFC.
News reports earlier in the month suggested that Horiguchi was close to finalizing an agreement to rejoin the UFC after leaving in 2016. Confirmation of this move was strengthened when it was revealed he had recently completed a drug test required by the UFC’s anti-doping program.
Horiguchi initially left the UFC on a positive note, having won his last three fights. He then achieved further success in RIZIN, where he won a championship, and later in Bellator, where he also claimed a title.
The skilled fighter from Japan has maintained a strong record, going undefeated in his last six fights since April 2022.
During his first period with the UFC, Horiguchi came close to winning the flyweight title, challenging Demetrious Johnson in 2015.
However, he was defeated just moments before the end of the final round. Now, Horiguchi has announced during RIZIN 50 in Japan that he is giving up his flyweight championship in order to return to the UFC. As a result of this decision, RIZIN will organize a tournament to determine a new champion.
“I’m going to the UFC,” Horiguchi said. “I’m going to become the first Japanese UFC champion.”
