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Kyoji Horiguchi is set for a UFC comeback. The 34-year-old Japanese sensation has vacated his RIZIN flyweight championship to rejoin the UFC in 2025, marking a return to the world’s biggest MMA stage after nearly a decade away. He announced RIZIN 50 on Sunday, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in his career.
“I’m going to the UFC,” Horiguchi declared. “I’m going to become the first Japanese UFC champion.”
Horiguchi, a longtime training partner of UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, last competed in the UFC from 2013 to 2016. His only loss during that run came against then-champion Demetrious Johnson. He left the promotion on a three-fight winning streak to compete in Japan’s RIZIN Fighting Federation, where he built a legacy as one of the best lighter-weight fighters in the world.
During his tenure in RIZIN, Horiguchi dominated, winning 14 of 15 fights and securing victories over notable names like Manel Kape, Ian McCall, and Yuki Motoya. He also avenged his only RIZIN loss by defeating Kai Asakura. His success extended beyond Japan, as he held both the RIZIN and Bellator bantamweight titles simultaneously, defeating Darrion Caldwell twice to cement his status as an elite competitor.
While the UFC has yet to confirm his first opponent and fight date, anticipation is high for his return to the Octagon. Meanwhile, RIZIN has announced a flyweight grand prix to crown a new 125-pound champion.
With his skill set sharpened by years of international experience, Horiguchi’s UFC return could shake up the flyweight division. Fans now wait to see if he can achieve his bold goal of becoming Japan’s first UFC champion.