What Does The Signing of Kyoji Horiguchi Mean for the Flyweight Division
Kyoji Horiguchi, now 34 years old, has officially re-signed with the UFC, marking a major moment for both his career and the promotion’s international ambitions. Horiguchi originally made waves in the UFC nearly a decade ago, going 7-1 with his only loss coming in a title fight against then-champion Demetrious Johnson. Since parting ways with the organization, he has gone on to have an impressive record in MMA going 14-3-1, picking up wins across multiple promotions while only falling short against elite talents like Patchy Mix, Sergio Pettis, and Kai Asakura. Known for his speed, movement, and unorthodox striking, Horiguchi remains one of the most skilled flyweights in the world. With the UFC making a clear effort to grow its presence in the Japanese market, bringing back a proven star like Horiguchi is a major step forward. His return adds excitement and depth to the flyweight division and sets the stage for big matchups ahead.
As a newcomer to the flyweight division, Kyoji Horiguchi brings an exciting spark to a competitive weight class. At the top, fighters like Kai Kara-France, Brandon Moreno, and Brandon Royval represent the elite of the division, offering Horiguchi the opportunity to test himself against some of the best in the world. In the middle, a gritty competitor like Tim Elliott could provide a tough challenge, forcing Horiguchi to prove his mettle against a fighter known for his toughness and unpredictability. However, one of the most intriguing possibilities could be a rematch against Kai Asakura in Japan, a chance to show how much Horiguchi has grown since their first encounter. With so many potential exciting matchups, Horiguchi’s entrance into the division is sure to bring a lot of excitement and anticipation.
Looking ahead, I believe Kyoji Horiguchi will be matched up against someone in the middle of the flyweight division, perhaps a fighter like Alex Perez, Steve Erceg, Tagir Ulanbekov, or Tim Elliott. The goal will likely be for Horiguchi to secure a solid win, showcasing his skill and establishing his presence as a representative of Japan in the UFC. Against this level of competition, I’m confident he has the tools to succeed and then make a direct run for the title. With Horiguchi’s arrival, the flyweight division just got a whole lot more exciting.
