In a move that has sent ripples across the mixed martial arts landscape, former Bellator and Rizin champion Kyoji Horiguchi is poised for a monumental return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. After a near-decade absence, the Japanese phenom will step back into the most formidable cage in the world, not merely for a curtain call, but for a high-stakes clash against one of the sport`s most promising rising talents, Tagir Ulanbekov, at the highly anticipated UFC Qatar event.
The Prodigal Son Returns: Horiguchi`s Journey Back
Kyoji Horiguchi`s departure from the UFC in 2016 left many fans pondering “what if.” With an impressive 7-1 record within the promotion, his sole Octagon defeat came at the hands of arguably the greatest flyweight of all time, Demetrious Johnson, in a title fight that stretched to the final second. This narrow loss only cemented his status as a top-tier competitor, even as he ventured beyond the UFC`s immediate spotlight. His resume, however, suggests the loss was less a definitive statement on his skill and more a momentary lapse against a generational talent.
Outside the UFC, Horiguchi didn`t just compete; he conquered. His reign as a two-division champion in Rizin and his Bellator Bantamweight title run underscored a period of unparalleled dominance. He amassed an astonishing 19-3 (1 NC) record since his last UFC bout, cultivating a legacy that transcended promotions. Now, at 34, with a wealth of experience and a renewed fire, Horiguchi`s re-signing with the UFC earlier this year wasn`t just a contract; it was a statement. A statement that he has unfinished business, perhaps even a score to settle with the narrative of his initial departure, or simply to prove his continued elite status on the grandest stage.
The Dagestani Gauntlet: Tagir Ulanbekov Awaits
Standing opposite Horiguchi in his much-anticipated return will be Tagir Ulanbekov, a name synonymous with the formidable Dagestani wrestling school. Coached by none other than the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ulanbekov represents the new wave of relentless, high-pressure fighters. Currently ranked #12 in the flyweight division, Ulanbekov`s 6-1 UFC record and four-fight win streak speak volumes about his trajectory. He is, by all accounts, a problem waiting to happen for anyone with aspirations of climbing the flyweight ladder.
This matchup is a classic stylistic conundrum: Horiguchi`s lightning-fast striking, precision, and unpredictable movements against Ulanbekov`s suffocating grappling, iron will, and unparalleled conditioning. It`s a true litmus test for both men – for Horiguchi, it`s proof of his continued elite status against the new generation; for Ulanbekov, it`s an opportunity to add a legitimate legend to his resume and propel himself toward title contention. One might even suggest it`s a polite welcome back from the new guard, a `gentle` reminder that the landscape has shifted, and they`re not just handing out pleasantries. The initial booking for UFC Baku, which Horiguchi withdrew from due to injury, only adds another layer of anticipation to this rescheduled confrontation.
UFC Qatar: A Card Packed with Intrigue
The addition of Horiguchi vs. Ulanbekov further solidifies UFC Qatar on November 22 as a must-watch event. Dana White, the perpetually enthusiastic CEO, has already billed the card with a double-header of #1 contender bouts: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker and Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry. These are fights with significant title implications, adding layers of high-stakes drama to an already stacked lineup, ensuring that multiple divisions will see their pecking order dramatically rearranged by the night`s end.
Beyond the headline acts, the card also features rising talents like Aleksandre Topuria, brother of UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria. Aleksandre, with a professional record of 6-1 and five finishes, is set to face Kazakhstan`s Bekzat Almakhan (12-2). Almakhan notably gave a tough fight to an undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov in his UFC debut and has since rebounded with a TKO victory over two-time `The Ultimate Fighter` winner Brad Katona. Such matchups underscore the depth and potential for breakout performances that UFC Qatar promises, proving that even the undercard is worth meticulous attention.
The Stakes: Legacy, Contention, and a New Chapter
For Kyoji Horiguchi, this return is more than just a fight; it`s a statement about enduring excellence and a quest for ultimate validation within the UFC banner. It’s a challenge to the sands of time and the relentless march of new talent. For Tagir Ulanbekov, it`s a chance to cement his place among the division`s elite by overcoming a universally respected veteran, marking his territory as a legitimate force. UFC Qatar itself is shaping up to be a crucible where legacies are forged, contenders emerge, and the next chapter of MMA history is written.
As the countdown to November 22 begins, the anticipation for Horiguchi`s comeback against such a formidable opponent, amidst a card teeming with top-tier talent and high-stakes encounters, is palpable. The flyweight division, already one of the most dynamic in the sport, is about to receive a significant jolt, courtesy of a returning legend and a determined new guard, promising an evening of compelling, high-level mixed martial arts.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley