"falling to "Mighty Mouse" via armbar in the fifth round of their April 2015 championship bout. Horiguchi would win three more UFC bouts before parting ways with the Las Vegas-based promotion in 2016. He enjoyed plenty of success in Rizin and Bellator before returning to the UFC late last year. On Saturday, he earned his second consecutive victory in the Octagon, as he cruised past Amir Albazi in the UFC Fight Night 266 co-main event."
"At 35 years old, Horiguchi appears to still be at the peak of his powers. With that in mind, he has his sights set on adding UFC hardware to a trophy case that already includes Rizin and Bellator belts. "I don't care," Horiguchi said. "I want a belt. If the champion is [Alexandre] Pantoja, yes Pantoja. If it's other guy, yes other guy. That's all.""
"Pantoja has been a training partner of Horiguchi's at American Top team, and the Japanese standout would be more than willing to give the Brazilian a shot at the title if it comes to that. "Of course," Horiguchi said. "He defended it many times. I think he's a true champion. It was an accident. I think he's a true champion.""
Kyoji Horiguchi returned to the UFC and earned his second consecutive Octagon victory by defeating Amir Albazi at UFC Fight Night 266. He previously lost to Demetrious Johnson at UFC 186 via armbar in April 2015, won three more UFC bouts, then left the promotion in 2016 to compete successfully in Rizin and Bellator before returning. Horiguchi attributes his current strength to improved skills, greater mental toughness, and reduced fear. At 35 he remains at or near peak performance and is targeting the UFC flyweight belt regardless of the current champion. He trains with Alexandre Pantoja and respects Pantoja's championship credentials.
Read at Sherdog
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