Who is Kyoji Horiguchi? Kyoji Horiguchi is a Japanese mixed martial artist known for his lightning-fast speed and impressive fighting skills. Born on October 12, 1990, in Takasaki, Japan, he has made a name for himself in the world of MMA. Competing in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, Horiguchi has fought in major organizations like the UFC, Rizin FF, and Bellator. His unique style combines karate and kickboxing, making him a formidable opponent in the ring. With numerous titles and accolades under his belt, Horiguchi continues to be a fan favorite and a respected figure in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Kyoji Horiguchi is a name that resonates in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). His journey from a small town in Japan to international fame is filled with fascinating details.
- Born on October 12, 1990, in Takasaki, Gunma, Japan, Kyoji Horiguchi grew up with a passion for martial arts.
- He started practicing karate at the age of five, which laid the foundation for his future in MMA.
- Horiguchi attended Gunma University, where he balanced his studies with rigorous training sessions.
Career Beginnings
Horiguchi's professional career began in Japan, where he quickly made a name for himself.
- He made his professional MMA debut on May 9, 2010, at Shooto: Gig Tokyo 4.
- Horiguchi won his debut fight by knockout in the first round, showcasing his striking prowess.
- He competed in the Shooto organization, where he became the Shooto Bantamweight Champion in 2013.
UFC Journey
Horiguchi's talent soon caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), leading to his entry into the global stage.
- He made his UFC debut on October 19, 2013, against Dustin Pague at UFC 166.
- Horiguchi won his debut UFC fight by TKO in the second round.
- He fought for the UFC Flyweight Championship against Demetrious Johnson on April 25, 2015, at UFC 186.
- Despite losing to Johnson, Horiguchi's performance earned him respect and recognition.
RIZIN Fighting Federation
After his stint in the UFC, Horiguchi returned to Japan to compete in the RIZIN Fighting Federation.
- He made his RIZIN debut on December 29, 2016, against Yuki Motoya, winning by knockout.
- Horiguchi won the RIZIN Bantamweight Grand Prix in 2017, defeating Shintaro Ishiwatari in the final.
- He became the inaugural RIZIN Bantamweight Champion on December 31, 2018, by defeating Darrion Caldwell.
Bellator MMA
Horiguchi's success in RIZIN led to opportunities in Bellator MMA, another prominent MMA organization.
- He fought Darrion Caldwell again on June 14, 2019, at Bellator 222, winning the Bellator Bantamweight Championship.
- Horiguchi became the first fighter to hold titles in both RIZIN and Bellator simultaneously.
- He had to vacate the Bellator title due to an ACL injury in November 2019.
Fighting Style and Achievements
Horiguchi's fighting style and achievements have made him a standout in the MMA world.
- Known for his karate background, Horiguchi's striking is both powerful and precise.
- He has a black belt in karate and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Horiguchi has a professional MMA record of 30 wins, 5 losses, and 0 draws (as of 2023).
- He has won 15 of his fights by knockout, showcasing his striking ability.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside the octagon, Horiguchi leads a life filled with interesting hobbies and personal pursuits.
- He is an avid fan of anime and manga, often sharing his favorite series with fans.
- Horiguchi enjoys fishing during his downtime, finding it a relaxing escape from his rigorous training schedule.
- He is known for his humility and sportsmanship, often showing respect to his opponents before and after fights.
- Horiguchi has a strong social media presence, where he interacts with fans and shares insights into his training and personal life.
- Despite his success, Horiguchi remains grounded, often attributing his achievements to hard work and dedication.
The Legacy of Kyoji Horiguchi
Kyoji Horiguchi's journey in mixed martial arts is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in Japan to becoming a global sensation, Horiguchi has shown remarkable skill, determination, and resilience. His achievements in both the UFC and Rizin have cemented his status as one of the sport's elite fighters. Beyond his impressive record, Horiguchi's dedication to his craft and his ability to bounce back from setbacks make him a true role model for aspiring athletes. As he continues to compete and evolve, fans can expect even more thrilling performances and memorable moments. Horiguchi's legacy is not just about his victories but also about his unwavering spirit and passion for MMA. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the sport, Kyoji Horiguchi's story is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.
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