Las Vegas – Japanese flyweight Kyoji Horiguchi returns to action this Saturday as part of UFC Vegas 113, after returning to the UFC late last year after years away.
Horiguchi (35-5, 1NC) admitted during media day on Wednesday that his “dream is in the cage” as he sets his sights on a UFC title. This means that he is happy that he can return to action so quickly.
“Of course I’m happy because it’s my job. That’s why I accepted this fight,” Horiguchi told media outlets like Cageside Press.
The flyweight division is in a strange place right now. Alexandre Pantoja suffered an injury during his fight with Josh Van in December, causing the title to change hands. Brandon Moreno is headlining UFC Mexico City this month, but with Asu Almabayev out, it’s No. 15 ranked Lone’er Kavanagh who steps in.
Horiguchi revealed to the media in Las Vegas that he was asked about the fight, but he only agreed to take the fight if he defeated UFC Vegas 113 opponent Amir Albazi.
“Yes. Two days ago, yes. They offered me, but I replied: if I win the fight, I can do it,” Horiguchi noted. “But if I lose, I can’t.”
Japan has been waiting for a UFC champion for years and now has two contenders in the flyweight division: Kyoji Horiguchi and Tatsuro Taira. It looks like Horiguchi isn’t worried about Taira beating him.
“I think [Taira could win the belt first]but I don’t care. Anyway, I’ll get the belt,” Horiguchi exclaimed. “First, second, it doesn’t matter. I will get it.”
The American Top Team star isn’t worried about waiting for a shot, with Taira and possibly Pantoja in line ahead of him. “I don’t care.”
Horiguchi has had a front row seat to the rise of another Japanese UFC star, Rinya Nakamura. Bantamweight Nakamura is 4-1 in the octagon so far after earning a contract on Road to UFC.
“He’s doing pretty well. And for the Road to UFC, Japanese fighters have the opportunity to earn contracts with the UFC, so that will be a big challenge for them. Yes, Rinya has earned it and he has the opportunity.”
Watch Kyoji Horiguchi’s full UFC Vegas 113 media day appearance above.
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