After a nine‑year hiatus, Kyoji Horiguchi rejoined the UFC in November 2023, secured a RNC victory over Umarbekov, and climbed to the fly‑weight #11 ranking. His rapid ascent, paired with a public stance on the calf‑kick ban debate, positions him as a leading contender for a 2026 title challenge.
1. One Year After Return: Horiguchi’s Progress
Horiguchi, former RIZIN feather‑weight champion, debuted in the UFC in 2015 with notable speed and footwork. Injuries and contract issues forced a departure in 2016. After dominating RIZIN, he announced his UFC comeback in late 2023. At UFC Fight Night in Qatar, he disrupted Umarbekov with blistering footwork and finished the bout with a rear‑naked choke, signaling both a successful return and technical evolution.
2. Simultaneous Rise with Tatsuya Hirata and Title Landscape
At UFC 323 (December 6 2024), fellow Japanese fighter Tatsuya Hirata defeated former WBC fly‑weight champion Brandon Moreno via second‑round TKO, cementing Japan’s growing presence in the division. Both athletes train at the same gym, creating a compelling narrative for fans and the UFC matchmaking department, which is reportedly plotting a Japanese title‑challenge scenario for early 2026.
3. Horiguchi’s View on the Calf Kick Ban Debate
Ahead of his next fight, Horiguchi addressed the controversial calf‑kick ban on his YouTube channel, stating, “Improving safety rules is welcome, but an outright ban undermines the sport’s essence.” He highlighted personal experience with a calf kick, called for clearer referee guidelines, and advocated for balanced regulation that protects athletes without diluting MMA’s core techniques.
4. Future Outlook and Impact on Japanese MMA
Horiguchi is scheduled to face a top‑ranked fly‑weight contender on February 8 2025. A win would likely propel him into the top five and secure a direct shot at champion Alex Pantoya. Success would boost UFC’s partnership opportunities with Japanese promotions, expand broadcast rights, and inspire the next generation of Japanese mixed‑martial artists.
5. Key Takeaways
- Rapid ascent: Horiguchi entered the UFC top 10 within a year of his return.
- Technical upgrades: “Lightning‑fast step” and the rear‑naked choke are now signature tools.
- Thought leadership: His balanced stance on the calf‑kick issue contributes to sport safety discussions.
- Title potential: A victory in his upcoming bout could position him for a 2026 fly‑weight championship challenge.