Kyoji Horiguchi Aims to Reign Supreme in Flyweight Division

Kyoji Horiguchi

Kyoji Horiguchi, a trailblazer in MMA history as the first fighter to hold titles in Bellator and RIZIN simultaneously, has shifted his focus to the flyweight division. While he’s achieved success at bantamweight, the Japanese star is now determined to become the best flyweight in the world before considering another move up in weight.

Horiguchi, who has remained unbeaten at flyweight for nearly a decade, will defend his dominance at RIZIN Decade on December 31 in Saitama, Japan. He’s set to face former EFC two-division champion Nkazimulo Zulu, a fighter known for his athleticism and explosiveness.

“I believe that flyweight is my weight class, and I want to focus on that,” Horiguchi stated through a translator. “My goal is to become the best in the world at flyweight. Once I achieve my goal at flyweight, then I can probably think of moving up. But right now, I’m just focused on becoming the best at flyweight.”

Zulu, who claimed the EFC bantamweight title in 2023 and later defended his flyweight belt, earned his RIZIN debut with a first-round stoppage of Jo Arai. Originally, Horiguchi was set to face Alibek Gadzhammatov, but an unforeseen change brought Zulu into the spotlight.

“I think RIZIN is in the process of gathering decent flyweight fighters from across the globe, and I think they’re working on it,” Horiguchi said.

 Despite the last-minute opponent switch, Horiguchi remains confident, stating,

“My plan is to face him wherever the fight takes me, either on the striking or on the ground. I’m going to fight in MMA, and that’s a plan.”

The flyweight division is growing within RIZIN, with contenders like former Brave CF champion Jose Torres entering the scene. Horiguchi is open to potential high-profile matchups, including one against Muhammad Mokaev, should circumstances align.

“That sounds nice,” Horiguchi said about a future clash with Mokaev. “There’s a lot that I can’t really talk, but yeah, if it happens, it happens.”

For now, Horiguchi is laser-focused on cementing his legacy in the flyweight division while continuing to elevate the competition within RIZIN.