Kyoji Horiguchi is open to returning to the UFC if the right deal comes along, despite currently enjoying success in RIZIN and Bellator, and maintains a friendly rivalry with UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
Kyoji Horiguchi’s got his eyes on a possible UFC comeback. Yep, he’s open to it.
From 2013 to 2016, the Japanese fighter went 7-1 in the UFC. Post-UFC? He snagged bantamweight titles in RIZIN and Bellator. Impressive, right? He’s set to defend his 125-pound belt against Nkazimulo Zulu at RIZIN DECADE in Saitama, Japan, on Dec. 31.
His only UFC loss was to Demetrious Johnson. Ouch. Still, Horiguchi’s considering a return if the deal’s sweet enough. At 34, he left the UFC on a high note with wins over Chico Camus, Neil Seery, and Ali Bagautinov. Since then? He’s taken down Manel Kape, Sergio Pettis, Darrion Caldwell, and Kai Asakura.
“Leaving was my call,” Horiguchi told MMA Fighting via translator. “No regrets here. But… I do feel like tackling another UFC challenge.”
When comparing events, Horiguchi thinks Japanese shows have “more flair” than North American MMA cards.
“Japanese promotions really hype the fight,” he said. “Walkouts are epic! It’s super motivating for fighters. Internationally? More sports-like—no grand openings, just straight to business. Japan’s got that flair!”
UFC flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja has nearly swept the division with four title defenses and eight wins over top 15 fighters (plus two unofficial wins on The Ultimate Fighter). Horiguchi trains with him at American Top Team in Florida. They’ve chatted about maybe fighting each other if Horiguchi returns.
“We joke around about it at the gym,” Horiguchi said. “I tell him I can beat him up anytime—just kidding! But if it’s a title fight? The gym would have to roll with it. It’s what we do.”
Pantoja’s on a seven-fight win streak in the UFC and might threaten Johnson’s record if he keeps defending his title now that “Mighty Mouse” has retired—and declined Pantoja’s callout.
“DJ is a legend,” Horiguchi said. “Phenomenal career! But my goal? Surpass his accomplishments and become the best.”