COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – Kyoji Horiguchi is back within the UFC and there’s just one thing on his mind.
A former Bellator and RIZIN champion, Horiguchi (34-5 MMA, 7-1 UFC) wish to add UFC gold to his trophy case.
“I wanted to return to the UFC all the time. Each time, I used to be fascinated about that.” Horiguchi told MMA Junkie at American Top Team on Tuesday. “I would like to get the belt. But my friend has a belt. It’s going to be a superb fight.”
Horiguchi, 34, returns June 21 in Baku, Azerbaijan vs. Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC). It’ll mark his first UFC fight since a November 2016 victory over Ali Bagautinov. His only loss within the promotion was a failed title bid within the UFC 186 predominant event against Demetrious Johnson in April 2015.
“I do know every situation (now),” Horiguchi said, when asked about how he’s modified since that fight one decade ago. “I’ve improved quite a bit. I’d wish to try that technique within the UFC.”
While it’s yet to be announced by the UFC, a rumored title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France appears to be next.
Horiguchi and Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC) are very long time training partners at ATT. In accordance with Horiguchi, the 2 fighters aren’t against having to fight each other, nonetheless. Their home gym, which is the training home of dozens of energetic UFC and PFL fighters, has been through similar scenarios repeatedly before.
“Yeah (we’re) fighters and friends,” Horiguchi said. “Friends could make good money. It’s going to be good. If we determine to fight, possibly (we train) in separate rooms with somewhat bit more specific training.”
Horiguchi has competed each at flyweight and bantamweight throughout his profession. Straight away, 125 kilos is the one division in his plans, nonetheless.
“I would like to get the belt, so flyweight,” Horiguchi said. “I’m undecided. Straight away, I’m focused on flyweight.”
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