Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson believes Kyoji Horiguchi may be the fighter best equipped to dethrone reigning UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van following Van’s latest title defense at UFC 328.
Van (17-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) successfully defended the 125-pound title for the first time in last Saturday’s co-main event, stopping Tatsuro Taira in the fourth round of an instant classic that is already being discussed as an early contender for 2026 Fight of the Year honors.
While a rematch with former champion Alexandre Pantoja is widely expected to be next for Van, Johnson believes Horiguchi (36-5 MMA, 9-1 UFC) could represent the toughest stylistic challenge remaining for “The Fearless” among the current crop of contenders.
Horiguchi has gone 2-0 since returning to the UFC last year after nearly a decade away from the promotion. During his first UFC stint from 2013 to 2016, Horiguchi challenged Johnson for the flyweight title at UFC 186 but came up short in a dramatic final-second submission defeat.
Since leaving the UFC, Horiguchi built an impressive résumé overseas, capturing championships in both RIZIN and Bellator before making his return to the Octagon.
Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, Johnson explained why he believes Horiguchi’s experience and disciplined approach could make him a serious threat to Van’s reign.
“I think Kyoji Horiguchi is more seasoned than Tatsuru,” Johnson said. “Doesn't have the (same level of) grappling as Tatsuru, but he has more of a direct game plan. You know, Kyoji Horiguchi is very good about following the game plan and executing it.”
Johnson also pointed to Horiguchi’s two-fight series with Kai Asakura under the RIZIN banner as evidence of the veteran’s ability to make adjustments and execute a targeted strategy.
“You look (at) when Kyoji Horiguchi fought Kai Asakura in Japan,” Johnson said. “Kai Asakura starched him the first time they fought. Then the second time, Kyoji Horiguchi finishes Kai Asakura because he just kicked his leg. He goes, ‘I’m just going to kick his leg,’ and he was able to knock out Kai Asakura with just leg kicks.”
Johnson added that the current state of the UFC flyweight division has made it one of the sport’s most compelling weight classes.
“So, a very exciting time to be watching the flyweight division,” Johnson said.
