Kyoji Horiguchi Focused on UFC Title After Latest Win

Japanese fighter eyes becoming first UFC champion from his country after defeating Amir Albazi.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Kyoji Horiguchi is determined to become the first Japanese UFC champion after his unanimous decision victory over Amir Albazi in the UFC Fight Night 266 co-main event. Despite breaking his hand in the first round, Horiguchi gutted out the win and is now laser-focused on capturing the 125-pound title, whether the current champion is Alexandre Pantoja or the newly crowned Joshua Van.

Why it matters

Horiguchi's quest to become the first Japanese UFC champion is a significant milestone for the sport and for representation in the world's premier MMA promotion. His success could inspire more Japanese fighters to pursue their dreams of UFC glory.

The details

Horiguchi (36-5 MMA, 9-1 UFC) said he broke his hand in the first round against Albazi (17-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) but was able to fight through the injury and earn the unanimous decision victory. The 35-year-old is now focused on capturing the 125-pound title, with the division in flux after Alexandre Pantoja's title loss to Joshua Van at UFC 323.

  • Horiguchi defeated Albazi at UFC Fight Night 266 on February 8, 2026.
  • Pantoja lost the UFC flyweight title to Van at UFC 323 in December 2025.

The players

Kyoji Horiguchi

A 35-year-old Japanese MMA fighter with a professional record of 36-5, who is currently 2-0 since re-signing with the UFC in 2025 and is determined to become the first Japanese UFC champion.

Alexandre Pantoja

The former UFC flyweight champion who lost the title to Joshua Van at UFC 323 in December 2025 due to an in-fight injury, and is owed an immediate rematch for the belt.

Joshua Van

The new UFC flyweight champion who defeated Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 in December 2025 to claim the title.

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What they’re saying

“Not my best performance – I want to finish him. Of course I want to get the belt soon. I will keep training, go back to Florida and I'm just focused on the belt.”

— Kyoji Horiguchi (MMA Junkie)

“I think he's the true champion. It was an accident and I think he's a true champ.”

— Kyoji Horiguchi (MMA Junkie)

What’s next

Horiguchi will need to recover from his broken hand before determining his next move, but he is eager to challenge for the UFC flyweight title against either the current champion Joshua Van or the former champion Alexandre Pantoja, who is owed an immediate rematch.

The takeaway

Kyoji Horiguchi's determination to become the first Japanese UFC champion is an inspiring story that highlights the growing global appeal of the sport. His success could pave the way for more Asian fighters to reach the pinnacle of MMA competition.