In a startling turn of events, Japanese superstar Kyoji Horiguchi looks set to return to the UFC, nine years after his departure from the organization.
Horiguchi (34-5 MMA, 7-1 UFC) fought inside the Octagon for three years between 2013-2016, with his only loss coming in a flyweight title fight against Demetrious Johnson at UFC 186 back in 2015.
He left the UFC following a win over Ali Bagutinov the following year and has been incredibly active since, winning titles in both Bellator and RIZIN, where he is currently the flyweight champion.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show this week, host Ariel Helwani revealed that the 34-year-old is on the brink of making his return to the UFC.
"I am hearing via multiple sources that the UFC is very close to welcoming back former UFC title contender, former RIZIN Bantamweight Grand Prix winner, former RIZIN Bantamweight champion, and potentially now, former RIZIN flyweight champion, the great and very popular, the pride of Japan, Kyoji Horiguchi" Helwani reported. "Horiguchi...this is a fighter that a lot of fighters speak very highly of at American Top Team. They call him the consummate teammate, professional friend. Everyone loves him, and the fans love him as well.
"He left the UFC, if you recall, in 2017. He was on a three-fight (winning) streak, and he just decided to kind of go back home to really build up RIZIN. He had a great run over in RIZIN, and would you believe it? In the last eight years, he fought twenty times over the last eight years. So if you're wondering, 'okay, why did you leave the UFC?' Well, maybe activity, maybe to grow his star power a little more".
Horiguchi Set To Face Dagestani Opponent
Directly before reporting the news of Horiguchi's potential return, Helwani also revealed that the UFC is planning to host a fight night in Azerbaijan later this year. It appears that Horiguchi may be in line to make his comeback on that card, should all the pieces fit into place.
"I'm hearing that one of the opponents being discussed for his return fight would be Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC), who is 3-0 in his last three fights, who last fought in January of this past year, had a win over Clayton Carpenter, has wins over Cody Durden. And Nate Maness, that is a fight that is being discussed as a potential for this card in Azerbaijan", Helwani said. "You see how it all comes together here and now. And I'm not trying to kind of play coy here and sit on the fence, but a lot of things are being moved around. There's a lot of fluidity. Like I said, there were strong talks that there was going to be a card in Qatar, and perhaps they do go back to Qatar at some point".
