The Ultimate Fighting Championship continues its global march, planting flags in key international markets with events that promise not just fights, but spectacles. On November 22nd, all eyes turn to UFC Qatar, a card brimming with high-stakes matchups and, perhaps most notably, the much-anticipated return of a legend who has been away from the Octagon for nearly a decade: Kyoji Horiguchi.
The Prodigal Son`s Homecoming: Kyoji Horiguchi`s Nine-Year Odyssey
For those unfamiliar with the name, Kyoji Horiguchi isn`t merely “another fighter” making a comeback. He is a multi-promotional champion, a former Bellator and Rizin titleholder, whose last stint in the UFC concluded with an impressive 7-1 record. His sole defeat came at the hands of none other than Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, the universally acknowledged greatest flyweight of all time, in a title fight that went down to the final second. Since his departure in 2016, Horiguchi has maintained a formidable 19-3 record, showcasing a level of dominance that few can claim outside the sport`s premier promotion.
His return, after a nine-year hiatus, isn`t just a nostalgic footnote; it`s a profound statement. At 34, Horiguchi isn`t returning to coast. He`s back to prove that the skill set honed across two of the world`s other top organizations translates seamlessly back into the unforgiving landscape of the UFC. The question isn`t if he`s still elite, but how quickly he can remind everyone of that fact.
Clash of Generations: Horiguchi Meets Khabib`s Protégé, Tagir Ulanbekov
Horiguchi`s re-entry into the UFC is anything but a soft landing. He is set to face Tagir Ulanbekov, the #12-ranked flyweight contender, a formidable Dagestani talent operating under the watchful eye of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ulanbekov, with a stellar 6-1 UFC record and a four-fight win streak at 125 lbs, represents the new guard – a relentless, grappling-heavy force typical of the Nurmagomedov school of fighting.
This bout, originally slated for UFC Baku before Horiguchi`s injury withdrawal, now anchors the flyweight division`s presence in Qatar. It`s a classic clash: the precision striking, speed, and veteran cunning of Horiguchi against the suffocating pressure and wrestling prowess of Ulanbekov. For Horiguchi, it`s an immediate litmus test to gauge his place among the current crop of elite. For Ulanbekov, it`s a golden opportunity to add a high-profile name to his resume and propel himself firmly into title contention. The stakes couldn`t be higher.
UFC Qatar: More Than Just a Main Event
While Horiguchi`s comeback is undoubtedly a marquee attraction, UFC Qatar is shaping up to be a pivotal event across multiple divisions. The card is stacked with significant matchups, underscoring the UFC`s strategic investment in the Middle Eastern market.
Headlining the evening are two monumental No. 1 contender double-headers:
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker: A lightweight clash that promises fireworks and a direct path to a title shot.
- Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry: A welterweight showdown that will undoubtedly clarify the next challenger in a perpetually competitive division.
Further adding intrigue, the card will also feature Aleksandre Topuria, brother of reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria. Aleksandre, making his second UFC appearance, faces Kazakhstan`s Bekzat Almakhan, who previously challenged the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. These bouts showcase the UFC`s commitment to developing regional talent and leveraging familial connections to build fan interest, proving that a championship pedigree often runs in the blood.
Implications for the Flyweight Landscape
The outcome of Horiguchi vs. Ulanbekov will send significant ripples through the flyweight division. Can Horiguchi, after years away, immediately assert himself as a top contender, potentially challenging Alexandre Pantoja for the belt? Or will Ulanbekov solidify his position as an undeniable force, proving that the future belongs to the relentless new generation? This fight is not merely a contest of two men, but a narrative-rich encounter that will shape the divisional hierarchy for months to come.
UFC Qatar is poised to deliver an evening of compelling mixed martial arts. From the historic return of Kyoji Horiguchi to the high-stakes title eliminators and the rise of promising new contenders, the event encapsulates the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sport. The Middle East, once again, stands as a crucial battleground for global MMA dominance.
Percy Harlow