Kyoji Horiguchi was removed from his UFC return fight due to a rib injury, with plans to resume training by late June or early July, and despite potential conflicts with teammate Alexandre Pantoja, both express willingness to compete against each other for the flyweight title.
Kyoji Horiguchi was all set for a thrilling UFC comeback in Baku, Azerbaijan. But, in a twist of fate, he was pulled from his fight against Tagir Ulanbekov.
Initially, no details emerged. However, Mike Brown, Horiguchi’s coach at American Top Team, shed light on the situation. Horiguchi was sidelined due to a rib injury.
“He had a rib injury,” Brown shared with MMA Fighting. Horiguchi, known for his relentless training, faced an unfortunate setback. “He tore some cartilage in his rib,” Brown explained, noting the severity of the injury.
With a recovery time of six to eight weeks, Horiguchi’s return isn’t far off. By late June or early July, he should be back in full training mode.
Despite the delay, Brown is confident. Horiguchi is ready for any challenge the UFC presents, just as he was for Ulanbekov.
During his previous UFC stint, Horiguchi was a top flyweight, losing only to Demetrious Johnson in 2015. He left with a 7-1 record, later dominating in RIZIN and Bellator.
Now 34, Horiguchi returns to flyweight, eager to face any opponent. “Honestly not concerned with who his opponent is,” Brown stated. Horiguchi is game for anyone, any weight.
A potential challenge looms: a title clash with friend and teammate Alexandre Pantoja. Yet, Pantoja sees it as an honor. “It’s gonna be a pleasure if I fight with him for the belt,” he said.
Mike Brown acknowledges the unique bond between Horiguchi, Pantoja, and Adriano Moraes. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” he remarked, praising their humility and camaraderie.
Brown isn’t fond of teammates fighting, but he believes these three could handle it without animosity. “They’re all like super good dudes,” he noted.
Ultimately, Brown is thrilled for Horiguchi’s UFC return. “The world is watching the UFC,” he said. And Horiguchi deserves that spotlight.