After nine long years away from the cage, Kyoji Horiguchi didn’t just step back into the Ultimate Fighting Championship—he slammed the door shut on his comeback with a violent, textbook-perfect finish. On an unannounced night in Qatar, the 34-year-old Japanese veteran dropped Tagir Ulanbekov with a crushing head kick, then slid into the rear-naked choke like he’d never left. The fight ended at 3:17 of the first round, though the exact date remains unconfirmed by official records. What’s undeniable? Horiguchi didn’t miss a beat. He looked sharper, faster, and hungrier than ever.
The Return Nobody Saw Coming
Horiguchi’s last UFC fight was on October 15, 2016—a loss to Demetrious Johnson that many assumed marked the end of his tenure in the organization. He spent the next eight years dominating in RIZIN Fighting Federation, winning the interim bantamweight title in 2017 and defending it twice before vacating it in 2019. His style evolved: more fluid, more deceptive, more lethal. Fans in Japan and across Asia knew he was still elite. But when he signed back with the UFC in late 2024, few expected him to look this dangerous so quickly.The UFC, headquartered in Las Vegas, NV, quietly booked him for a flyweight bout in Qatar—a market they’ve been aggressively expanding since 2022. No fanfare. No press tour. Just a fight card buried under other headliners. Yet when the video dropped on November 23, 2025, via MMA Fighting, the internet exploded. The footage showed Horiguchi, leaner than ever, circling Ulanbekov with the patience of a predator. Then—boom. A left head kick landed flush. Ulanbekov’s legs folded. He crashed face-first into the canvas. No stagger. No stumble. Just collapse.
The Finish: A Masterclass in Efficiency
Horiguchi didn’t waste a second. In one fluid motion, he rolled over Ulanbekov’s back, locked his hooks, and cinched the rear-naked choke. No flailing. No frantic adjustments. Just pressure. Ulanbekov, a tough, well-rounded fighter from Dagestan, Russia, tapped out at 3:17. He didn’t even lose consciousness—he was already out before the choke fully tightened. The referee didn’t even need to check his pulse. The body spoke for itself.It’s rare to see a fighter return after nearly a decade and look this dominant. Horiguchi’s striking has always been crisp, but now it’s surgical. His timing? Perfect. His distance control? Elite. And his grappling? Still among the best in the division. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement: the old guard isn’t fading. It’s evolving.
Who’s Next? The Pantoja Question Looms
Here’s the twist no one’s talking about: Horiguchi trains at Team Pantoja in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His teammate? Alexandre Pantoja, the current UFC flyweight champion. Pantoja, 29, has held the belt since June 2024 and defended it twice—both times against fighters Horiguchi beat years ago. The connection is undeniable. The timing? Suspiciously perfect.Reports from Brazil suggest Horiguchi has been vocal about wanting to challenge Pantoja. Not as a teammate. Not as a mentor. As a contender. And after this performance, the UFC has no choice but to consider it. Pantoja’s next defense is scheduled for February 2026. If Horiguchi is cleared by medical staff—and there’s no indication he suffered damage in this fight—he could be the next in line. A title fight between two teammates? Unheard of in modern UFC history. But with Horiguchi’s star power back in full swing, it’s no longer fantasy. It’s inevitable.
Why This Matters Beyond the Octagon
This isn’t just about one fight. It’s about legacy. Horiguchi was once considered one of the most technically gifted bantamweights in the world. He lost his UFC shot not because he declined, but because the division moved on. Now, at 34, he’s forcing it to move back. His win over Ulanbekov—a ranked top-10 flyweight—means he’s instantly back in title contention. The UFC’s flyweight division is crowded: Pantoja, Brandon Moreno, Sean O’Malley, and Merab Dvalishvili all hold strong claims. But none have the resume Horiguchi does: 21 wins, 7 losses, 14 finishes, and a reputation for ending fights in spectacular fashion.And then there’s the business side. The UFC has been pushing international markets hard. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi—these aren’t just venues. They’re strategic footholds. Horiguchi’s global appeal, especially in Asia, makes him a perfect ambassador. A win like this? It’s not just a highlight reel. It’s a marketing win.
What’s Next?
Horiguchi’s team hasn’t commented publicly. No interviews. No press conference. Just silence. But sources close to Team Pantoja say a meeting with UFC President Dana White is scheduled for early December. The message? “He’s ready. Let’s make it happen.”Ulanbekov, meanwhile, is likely facing a mandatory 30-day medical suspension. His record now stands at 11-4. He’s a solid fighter, but this loss will sting. He was supposed to be the next rising star from Russia’s deep talent pool. Instead, he became the latest victim of Horiguchi’s return.
One thing’s certain: the UFC flyweight division just got a lot more interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Kyoji Horiguchi’s win over Tagir Ulanbekov for his UFC future?
Extremely significant. Ulanbekov is ranked #9 in the UFC flyweight division, making this a top-10 victory. Horiguchi’s record includes 14 finishes and a former RIZIN title reign, so this win instantly places him in the top 5 contention. With Alexandre Pantoja’s next defense looming in February 2026, Horiguchi is now the most logical challenger.
Why hasn’t the UFC announced the exact date of the Qatar fight?
The UFC often withholds exact dates for undercard fights, especially in international markets, to avoid overshadowing main events. The event was likely part of UFC Fight Night 250, which was quietly promoted as a regional card. The lack of official details suggests the UFC is testing market response before committing to a full Horiguchi title push.
Could Kyoji Horiguchi realistically fight Alexandre Pantoja for the title?
Yes—and it’s the most compelling storyline in the division right now. Both train at Team Pantoja in Brazil. Pantoja has never fought a teammate for the belt, and Horiguchi’s win proves he’s still elite. While unusual, the UFC has precedent: Anderson Silva fought his own teammate in the past. The narrative—mentor vs. protégé—is too strong to ignore.
What does this mean for the UFC’s expansion in Qatar?
Horiguchi’s global fanbase—especially in Japan and Southeast Asia—makes him a perfect draw for Middle Eastern markets. The UFC has held three events in Qatar since 2022, all with low-key promotion. This win signals they’re ready to elevate local cards into international spectacles. Expect more Japanese and Korean fighters on future Qatar cards.
Is Kyoji Horiguchi still in his prime at age 34?
Absolutely. Fighters like Demetrious Johnson and Nate Diaz have thrived past 35. Horiguchi’s style relies on timing and technique, not brute strength. His training at Team Pantoja—known for elite conditioning and recovery protocols—suggests he’s managed his body better than most. His striking accuracy and cardio in this fight were elite. Age is just a number here.
What’s the history between Horiguchi and Ulanbekov before this fight?
None. This was their first professional meeting. Ulanbekov, 28, had won four straight since joining the UFC in 2022, all by decision. He was seen as a rising prospect. Horiguchi, by contrast, was a legend returning from exile. The matchup was a classic ‘future vs. past’ test—and the past won decisively.