In an exciting announcement for MMA fans, former RIZIN two-division champion Kyoji Horiguchi has confirmed his participation in the upcoming UFC Fight Night Baku, set to take place in Azerbaijan on June 21, 2025. This event marks a significant moment in Horiguchi's career as it will be his first fight back in the UFC since 2016, and he will be facing off against the formidable Tagir Ulanbekov, a top-ranked fighter from Russia.
Horiguchi, who is currently 34 years old and trains at American Top Team (ATT), took to social media on April 12, 2025, to share the news with his fans. "I want to win this match and connect it to the next," he stated, emphasizing his determination to make a strong comeback in the octagon. The matchup against Ulanbekov, who is currently ranked 10th in the flyweight division, promises to be a thrilling contest as both fighters are known for their striking and grappling skills.
Ulanbekov, standing at 170cm, is taller than Horiguchi, who is 165cm. Despite the height difference, Horiguchi remains unfazed, confidently analyzing his opponent's abilities. "He’s a tough fighter who can strike and grapple well. But honestly, I’m not worried about the height; everyone is taller than me!" he remarked, comparing Ulanbekov to his previous opponent Darion Caldwell, who stood at 178cm. Horiguchi's ability to adapt to different opponents has been a key factor in his success throughout his career.
With a professional record of 34 wins and 5 losses, Horiguchi is one of Japan's leading MMA athletes. He made his professional debut in 2010, securing 10 knockout victories and 5 submission wins. Horiguchi first signed with the UFC in 2013, where he achieved an impressive record of 7 wins and just 1 loss, the latter being in a title fight against the legendary Demetrious Johnson. After leaving the UFC in 2016, Horiguchi has honed his skills in various organizations, and now he is ready to return to the octagon after a nine-year hiatus.
Ulanbekov, on the other hand, comes into this fight riding a wave of momentum with a current record of 16 wins and 2 losses and is on a three-fight win streak. Trained by former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ulanbekov has shown his prowess in the cage, with 7 of his victories coming by way of submission. He has notable wins over fighters such as Cody Durden, Nate Maness, Allan Nascimento, and Bruno Silva, establishing himself as a formidable contender in the flyweight division.
The upcoming UFC Fight Night in Baku will be historic as it is the first UFC event to be held in Azerbaijan. Horiguchi's participation adds to the growing list of Japanese athletes in the UFC, bringing the total to eight, including notable fighters like Tatsuro Taira, who is currently ranked 5th in the flyweight division, and others who have emerged from the Road to UFC series.
Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President and Head of Asia-Pacific, expressed his excitement about Horiguchi's return, stating, "Kyoji Horiguchi's comeback to the UFC is a wonderful piece of news that will bring pride to Japanese fans. Recently, new talents like Tatsuro Taira and others have been rising, and with Horiguchi's wealth of experience, I believe his participation will further elevate MMA in Japan."
As the fight approaches, Horiguchi is fully focused on his training and preparation. He has been studying footage of Ulanbekov’s previous fights, making sure he is well-prepared for any challenge that may come his way. "I’ve reviewed his matches, and I’m confident in my strategy and training. I’m ready to go all out," he declared.
With the fight scheduled for June 21, 2025, local time in Azerbaijan, which translates to June 22 in Japan, anticipation is building among fans. Horiguchi's return to the UFC is not just a personal milestone; it represents a significant moment for Japanese MMA as it continues to gain recognition on the global stage. Horiguchi concluded his announcement with an enthusiastic message to his supporters, saying, "I’m going to give it my all, so please look forward to it and support me!"
As fight day approaches, all eyes will be on Horiguchi as he steps back into the octagon to face Ulanbekov. Will he be able to secure a victory and pave the way for future opportunities in the UFC? Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how this thrilling matchup unfolds.
