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Horiguchi Returns With Submission Win as Pantoja Signals Willingness to Face Him Next

After calling out the champion, he drew a receptive response from Alexandre Pantoja pending the Dec. 6 title defense against Joshua Van.

Overview

  • Kyoji Horiguchi defeated Tagir Ulanbekov by rear‑naked choke at 2:18 of Round 3 at UFC Qatar, marking his first UFC bout since 2016.
  • The result snapped Ulanbekov’s four‑fight winning streak; he entered ranked No. 11 at flyweight.
  • Horiguchi overcame a size and reach disadvantage, dropped Ulanbekov with a head kick in the third round, then secured the fight‑ending choke.
  • The 35‑year‑old former RIZIN and Bellator champion immediately called for a UFC flyweight title shot and reiterated his goal of winning UFC gold.
  • Reigning champion and American Top Team teammate Alexandre Pantoja said he would welcome a title fight with Horiguchi if he gets past Joshua Van at UFC 323 on Dec. 6.