부상을 이겨내고 압도적인 승리를 거둔 호리구치, UFC 복귀 후 연이은 승리로 챔피언 타이틀 노려

Known by the nickname "Karate Kid", Kyoji Horiguchi delivered yet another commanding performance, proving his mettle once more. Despite being in his mid-thirties, his speed, technique, and strategic acumen were on full display, igniting his path towards a title rematch after 11 years. The bout was not just a victory but a demonstration of dominance.

On the 8th of this month, during the co-main event of the UFC Fight Night: Batista vs. Oliveira in Las Vegas, hosted by UFC, Horiguchi clinched a unanimous decision victory against Amir Albazi. The judges scored it 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28, underscoring a contest that was more one-sided than the numbers suggest. This win marked his second consecutive victory since returning to the UFC, bolstering his impressive record to 36 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no contest.

The match was dominated by Horiguchi from the outset. His signature karate-based stance and in-and-out footwork effectively neutralized Albazi’s offensive attempts. Despite Albazi’s reputation for grounding his opponents with wrestling and grappling, he failed to secure control at any point during the match. Horiguchi thwarted all seven takedown attempts and dominated the clinch, punctuating the fight with sharp jabs and quick counter strikes.

Horiguchi"s defensive skills were particularly noteworthy. He not only evaded attacks but also read his opponent’s timing, adjusted angles, and counterattacked seamlessly. It was a level of fight management rarely seen in the flyweight division. By the later rounds, Horiguchi’s stamina was clearly superior, shaking Albazi consistently, and nearly securing a knockout victory by decision.

Horiguchi, a seasoned fighter known for his speed, technical striking, and strong mental game, has held championships in both the Japanese MMA organization Rizin and Bellator. After an unsuccessful UFC title shot against flyweight titan Demetrious Johnson in 2015, which ended in a submission loss, Horiguchi continued to build his career overseas before making a successful return to the UFC. His recent string of victories has solidly placed him on the path to a second title opportunity.

Remarkably, Horiguchi demonstrated a fighter"s spirit by competing with an injured right hand sustained during the first round. He appeared at the post-fight press conference with a temporary cast and hinted at a possible finger fracture. Yet, he expressed readiness to fight anytime, pending recovery, and adamantly called for a title shot.

The UFC flyweight division is currently bustling with strong contenders like Joshua Van, Alejandre Pantoja, Manel Kape, and Taira Tatsuro. With Horiguchi joining the fray, the competition for the title is fiercer than ever. His compelling performance and storyline make him a prime candidate for the next title challenge.

Meanwhile, in the main event, bantamweight 9th rank Mario Batista secured a stunning finish over 11th rank Vinicius Oliveira with a rear-naked choke, signaling his intent for a rematch and a push towards the top five after dispatching Oliveira in just under five minutes of the second round.

Between veterans making a comeback, newcomers making their mark, and intense competition for the title, the flyweight division is experiencing a golden era. At the heart of this revival is none other than "Karate Kid" Horiguchi, whose quest for the belt he missed a decade ago is just beginning to ramp up again.

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