Nearly one decade after leaving the Octagon, the Japanese superstar returns this weekend (Sat., Nov. 22, 2025) against No. 11-ranked Tagir Ulanbekov on UFC Qatar’s main card inside ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar.
So, where has “The Guch” been?
After parting ways with UFC after opting not to renew his contract despite being on a three-fight win streak, Horiguchi immediately became the cornerstone of Japan’s RIZIN Fighting Federation. The Japanese star debuted for the promotion in April 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the best fighters outside of UFC. Throughout 2017, he tore through RIZIN’s Bantamweight Grand Prix, defeating talents such as Ian McCall (in nine seconds) and Manel Kape before finishing Shintaro Ishiwatari in the finals.
In 2018, he tapped Bellator champion, Darrion Caldwell, to seize the inaugural RIZIN Bantamweight belt. Horiguchi then battled Ben Nguyen in a non-title fight at RIZIN 15 (April 2019), knocking him out in the first round. Next, he rematched Caldwell, this time in Bellator, for the promotion’s Bantamweight championship, usurping the division crown via unanimous decision.
For a brief period, he was the king of two organizations at once.
In 2021, he returned to Bellator for a title fight against Sergio Pettis, dominating much of the bout before being knocked out by a late spinning backfist (watch it). He then entered the Bantamweight World Grand Prix, but fell short against Patchy Mix.
From there, Horiguchi bounced between RIZIN and Bellator crossover events, submitting Yuto Hokamura, dominating Hiromasa Ougikubo in their trilogy, and fighting to a “No Contest” with Makoto Takahashi. After Bellator’s closure, he completed his RIZIN tenure with three straight wins, including a decisive victory in the Pettis rematch.
Now, at 35 years old and armed with world-class speed, power and a wealth of championship experience, Horiguchi returns to UFC as arguably the most accomplished Flyweight the promotion has ever re-signed. The division has changed dramatically since his departure — new champions, new contenders, new tempo — but Horiguchi returns with something few Flyweights can claim: years of rule over two major promotions.
He left UFC as a promising contender. He comes back as a champion many times over. If his athleticism still holds, Horiguchi’s second run in UFC could be special.
