Kyoji Horiguchi

Kyoji Horiguchi is a 35-year-old Japanese mixed martial artist and one of the most accomplished flyweight/bantamweight competitors in MMA history. Born in Takasaki and trained in karate from age five, Horiguchi turned professional in 2010 and climbed through the Japanese regional scene before joining the UFC in 2013. He earned a flyweight title shot at UFC 186 in 2015, where he lost to Demetrious Johnson via submission in the fifth round. Rather than chase another title shot in the UFC at that time, Horiguchi stepped away and became a dominant force in RIZIN and Bellator, winning multiple championships and establishing himself as a star in his home country.

Horiguchi's fighting style is rooted in karate, giving him exceptional striking mechanics and finishing instinct. Forty-two percent of his 36 career wins have come by knockout or TKO, and he boasts 10 first-round finishes. He is equally dangerous in the clinch and on the ground, with six submission victories to his credit. His reach and footwork, combined with precise striking, make him a threat to end fights quickly, though he is also a capable decision winner when forced to grind.

After more than six years away from the UFC, Horiguchi returned in late 2024 and has re-entered the flyweight title race, winning his last two bouts including a notable unanimous decision over Amir Albazi in February 2026. Now ranked fifth in the UFC flyweight division and riding a seven-fight winning streak (excluding one no-contest), Horiguchi has made it clear his sole objective is to capture the UFC gold that eluded him in 2015. His combination of elite striking, multi-promotion championship experience, and proven ability to beat top-tier competition makes him a credible contender in a talent-rich flyweight division.