Kyoji Horiguchi Signs With UFC, Vacates RIZIN Title In Pursuit Of Japan’s First UFC Championship

Fans have often seen fighters move up a weight class either to chase a second title or for personal reasons. Recently, Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight belt to move up to lightweight in pursuit of a second championship. Similarly, Kyoji Horiguchi has signed with the UFC and vacated his RIZIN title as he aims to become Japan’s first UFC champion.

Horiguchi is a former RIZIN flyweight and bantamweight champion and a former Bellator bantamweight world champion. He vacated his RIZIN flyweight title, which he announced at RIZIN 50, declaring, “I’m going to the UFC. I’m going to become the first Japanese UFC champion.” The 34-year-old, a teammate of UFC flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja, now awaits his debut fight details.

Horiguchi previously fought in the UFC from 2013 to 2016, with his only loss coming against Demetrious Johnson. After leaving on a three-fight win streak, he dominated in RIZIN, winning 14 of 15 fights and holding both the RIZIN and Bellator bantamweight titles. RIZIN will now host a flyweight grand prix to crown a new champion.

🚨 2 BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS! 🚨

1️⃣ RIZIN Flyweight Champion, Kyoji Horiguchi, will vacate the title and go to the UFC.

(continued) pic.twitter.com/irhoyQZmmQ

— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) March 30, 2025

Who Will Kyoji Horiguchi Face In His UFC Return?

Former RIZIN champion Horiguchi is widely recognized in Japan. He is a dangerous striker known for his karate and kickboxing background. Fans previously saw former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura get an immediate title shot against UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, but he lost via second-round submission.

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As of now, there is no official confirmation on Horiguchi’s next opponent. Former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno recently defeated Steve Erceg, securing the No. 1 contender spot for a title shot. However, fans must wait for the UFC’s official decision on the next flyweight title challenger. Can Horiguchi become the first Japanese UFC champion? Only time will tell.

Also Read: UFC Star Who Trained With Both Khamzat Chimaev & Dricus Du Plessis Makes Bold Prediction Ahead Of Potential Fight