Horiguchi’s Head Kick and Choke Made His UFC Return Emphatic
Kyoji Horiguchi submitted Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Qatar on November 22, 2025, at ABHA Arena in Doha. A rear-naked choke ended the flyweight contest at 2:18 of the third round, completing Horiguchi’s first UFC appearance in nine years with a finish.
A former title challenger returned with championship experience elsewhere
Horiguchi had previously challenged for the UFC flyweight belt before building a championship career in Bellator and RIZIN. His return placed him directly into a significant test against Ulanbekov.
The matchup required him to navigate a substantial height and reach disadvantage. Early difficulties finding the right distance gave way to increasingly effective striking and successful grappling exchanges.
The third-round head kick opened the route to the back
As Ulanbekov tired, Horiguchi landed a head kick that knocked him down. He followed with punches on the ground and sought a position from which he could attack the neck.
Horiguchi secured the rear-naked choke and tightened his grip. Ulanbekov lost consciousness before tapping, bringing the contest to an end with more than half the final round remaining.
The returning contender immediately aimed at the championship
The victory put Horiguchi back into the UFC flyweight conversation through a decisive performance rather than a narrow scorecard result. His striking created the opening, and his submission work finished it.
Afterward, Horiguchi challenged teammate Alexandre Pantoja, who held the championship at the time. Their training relationship did not prevent the callout, although the challenge itself did not establish a confirmed title fight.
Sources
- UFC: official main-card results, date and venue
- MMA Fighting: UFC return, knockdown and submission
- UFC: career and official submission record
