Kyoji Horiguchi signs with the UFC, vacates RIZIN title
Kyoji Horiguchi is back to the UFC.
The 34-year-old Japanese star has decided to drop the RIZIN flyweight championship in order to return to the octagon in 2025, he announced during RIZIN 50 on Sunday. Horiguchi is a teammate of UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
The UFC has yet to announce a date and opponent for his return fight.
“I’m going to the UFC,” Horiguchi said. “I’m going to become the first Japanese UFC champion.”
2 BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS!
— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) March 30, 2025
1️⃣ RIZIN Flyweight Champion, Kyoji Horiguchi, will vacate the title and go to the UFC.
(continued) pic.twitter.com/irhoyQZmmQ
Horiguchi fought in the UFC between 2013 and 2016, losing only to then-champion Demetrious Johnson. Horiguchi opted to leave the promotion on a three-fight winning streak in order to join RIZIN Fighting Federation, and now returns having beat his past five opponents.
Horiguchi won 14 of 15 under the RIZIN banner, beating the likes of Manel Kape, Ian McCall and Yuki Motoya, and avenged his sole loss to Kai Asakura. The American Top Team talent also held the RIZIN and Bellator bantamweight titles simultaneously during his dominant run in Japan, defeating Darrion Caldwell twice.
RIZIN announced it will hold a flyweight grand prix this year to determine the new 125-pound champion.