Japanese flyweight legend Kyoji Horiguchi has started preparing for a potential return to the UFC, as he is slated to face Dagestani contender Tagir Ulanbekov on November 22 at UFC Qatar. While the contracts have not yet been finalized, sources confirm ...

Kyoji Horiguchi's return at UFC Qatar was one to remember as he choked out Tagir Ulanbekov before calling out teammate Alexandre Pantoja.

Pantoja (30-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) has a title defense scheduled against Joshua Van (15-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) at UFC 323 on Dec. 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas ( ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2/ESPN+/Disney+/FX), but if he wins that one, a bout agreement for Horiguchi might come across his desk. Pantoja said if that happens, he will sign it with pleasure.

Kyoji Horiguchi looked better than ever in his official return to the Octagon earlier today (Sat., Nov. 22, 2025) at UFC Qatar LIVE on ESPN+ from inside the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, stunning flyweight contender Tagir Ulanbekov with a dominant third-round submission (rear-naked choke).

Former UFC flyweight title challenger, former Bellator champ and former RIZIN champion Kyoji Horiguchi is headed back to the octagon. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported earlier this month that Horiguchi (34-5 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was on the verge of striking a ...

Alexandre Pantoja is not only willing to face his teammate Kyoji Horiguchi for the UFC flyweight title, he hopes it happens.

Kyoji Horiguchi recently capped off a triumphant return to the octagon and called for a flyweight title shot. Horiguchi is on a quest to capture UFC gold, which remains the only major championship missing from his career. The Japanese MMA star’s ...

The UFC's flyweight division remains fiercely competitive, consistently showcasing top-tier talent. Beyond the UFC, however, other organizations have cultivated their own standout fighters. The increased global competition at this often-forgotten weight ...