“I want every organization’s belt, but if they don’t want [me], I can’t go.”
Kyoji Horiguchi has some goals he hopes to check off before all is said and done. Unfortunately for him, he might not get the chance to make them a reality.
A big bantamweight rematch for RIZIN’s flyweight champion Horiguchi currently awaits him. Horiguchi seeks redemption against Sergio Pettis at RIZIN 47 next month (Sun., June 9, 2024). The first matchup saw Pettis score a fourth-round spinning back fist knockout after losing the first three rounds at Bellator 272 in December 2021. It’s largely considered one of the craziest comebacks in recent MMA history.
Horiguchi, 33, made more history when he claimed the inaugural RIZIN flyweight title at RIZIN 45 in December 2023. His second-round rear-naked choke victory over Makoto “Shinryu” Takahashi (watch highlights) made him the first fighter to hold titles in multiple RIZIN divisions. Shortly after the win, Horiguchi released an autobiography and revealed his interest in giving the UFC another go. Although Horiguchi maintains his feelings, he claims the promotion has no interest.
“I still want to go back, but I don’t know. If they [offer], yes, of course,” Horiguchi told MMA Mania on BROADENED HORIZIN. “They don’t want [me], I can’t go (laughs).”
UFC 301 was looking to be in some trouble regarding its main event and possible challengers for flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. That was until Steve Erceg emerged with his Matt Schnell knockout (watch highlights). Before that, fans called for the wildcard option of a returning Horiguchi (32-5, 1 NC).
The fight was never a real possibility as Horiguchi is tied up between RIZIN and the PFL after the latter acquired Bellator late last year. It was also pointed out that the champions are teammates at American Top Team (ATT) in Florida. Despite that, both have let it be known they’d fight each other if possible.
“[We’re] really good friends, [it would be a] good fight, we’re teammates,” Horiguchi said. “It’s gonna be hard. I want to fight with him, yeah.
“I think it’s a fun thing because all the time I talk about a UFC title shot, I tell Pantoja, ‘If I go to UFC, I can easily beat you up,’” he laughed. “I say that, but it’s a joke, you know.”
There isn’t much left for Horiguchi to do in MMA aside from winning gold in the UFC, which he attempted to do at UFC 186 against Demetrious Johnson in 2015. He’s a multi-weight and multi-organization champion and wants as many as he can capture. First, vanquishing the taste of his most bitter defeat from his mouth against Pettis is on the list. After that, the PFL isn’t a great option for Horiguchi because of his size.
“I don’t know. PFL doesn’t have flyweight so — also bantamweight, too,” Horiguchi said of fighting in PFL. “It’s hard to make a weight [for featherweight]. I need [to be] more chubby. I don’t want [that] (laughs).
“I want every organization’s belt, but if they don’t want [me], I can’t go (laughs). That’s not my problem.”
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