Brief Introduction of Kyoji Horiguchi
Kyoji Horiguchi is a world-renowned Japanese mixed martial artist, celebrated for his dynamic fighting style, explosive power, and remarkable achievements across multiple prestigious organizations. With a foundation in traditional Shotokan karate, Horiguchi has seamlessly blended his striking prowess with a formidable grappling game to become a dominant force in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. He is a former champion in Rizin Fighting Federation, Bellator MMA, and Shooto, making him one of the most decorated fighters in the history of Japanese MMA. His career is marked by thrilling performances and a relentless pursuit of greatness, which led to a highly anticipated return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with the goal of becoming the first-ever Japanese UFC champion.
Kyoji Horiguchi Overview
| Full Name | Kyoji Horiguchi |
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1990 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 35 |
| Birthplace | Takasaki, Gunma, Japan |
| Profession | Professional Mixed Martial Artist |
| Husband/Wife | Information not publicly available. One source mentions he is married to model Kawamura Natsuki, but this is not widely confirmed. |
| Family | Information not publicly available. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed. |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $2 million and $3 million. |
Early Life and Education of Kyoji Horiguchi
Born in Takasaki, Gunma, Japan, Kyoji Horiguchi’s journey into martial arts began at the tender age of five when he started training in Shotokan karate. He quickly demonstrated a natural talent, competing in full-contact tournaments and becoming a regional champion. The electrifying world of mixed martial arts captured his imagination at 16 after watching a PRIDE Fighting Championships event. Inspired by the legendary Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto’s ability to defeat larger opponents, Horiguchi decided to pursue a career in MMA. After graduating from Sakushin Gakuin High School, known for its strong wrestling program, he made the pivotal decision to forgo college. At 18, he moved to Tokyo to train under his idol at the esteemed Krazy Bee gym, a choice his parents initially opposed but later fully supported upon seeing his dedication.
Kyoji Horiguchi’s Career
Kyoji Horiguchi’s professional career began in 2010 in the Japanese promotion Shooto. He quickly made a name for himself, winning the 2010 Rookie Tournament and earning MVP honors. His explosive knockout power was evident early on. By March 2013, he had captured the Shooto Bantamweight Championship, submitting Hiromasa Ougikubo. This success earned him a contract with the UFC, where he debuted in October 2013 with a TKO victory over Dustin Pague. Horiguchi compiled an impressive 7-1 record during his first UFC stint, with his only loss coming in a flyweight title challenge against the legendary Demetrious Johnson at UFC 186 in April 2015. Despite the loss, which came via a submission in the final second of the fifth round, he proved he could compete at the highest level.
In 2017, Horiguchi transitioned to the Rizin Fighting Federation, a move that would cement his status as a superstar in Japan. He won the 2017 Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix, fighting three times in just a few days to claim the title. He went on to win the inaugural Rizin Bantamweight Championship in 2018. In a unique cross-promotional partnership, Horiguchi also fought in Bellator MMA, defeating Darrion Caldwell in June 2019 to win the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship, briefly holding titles in both organizations simultaneously. A significant knee injury forced him to vacate his titles, but he made a triumphant return on New Year’s Eve 2020 to reclaim the Rizin Bantamweight belt. He later moved down to flyweight, capturing the inaugural Rizin Flyweight Championship in December 2023. After a series of successful defenses and a dominant run outside of the UFC, Horiguchi vacated his Rizin title and announced his return to the UFC in March 2025, driven by the ambition to become the first Japanese UFC champion. His return fight took place in November 2025, where he secured a victory over Tagir Ulanbekov.
Kyoji Horiguchi Personal Life & Family
Kyoji Horiguchi is known for being a relatively private individual. While his professional life is well-documented, details about his family and personal relationships are not widely publicized. He has mentioned his parents’ initial reservations and eventual support of his fighting career. One unconfirmed report from a YouTube video suggests he is married to a model named Kawamura Natsuki, but this has not been substantiated by major media outlets. Horiguchi splits his training between Japan and the United States, having been a longtime member of the prestigious American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, since 2015. This move was made to further evolve his skills after his first UFC title shot. Outside of the gym, he is known to be a keen fisherman, a hobby he enjoys during his downtime.
Awards and Achievements of Kyoji Horiguchi
- RIZIN Flyweight Champion (Inaugural)
- RIZIN Bantamweight Champion (Two-time, Inaugural)
- RIZIN Bantamweight Grand Prix Winner (2017)
- Bellator Bantamweight World Champion
- Shooto Bantamweight Champion
- Shooto 2010 Rookie of the Year
- Shooto 2010 MVP
- Shooto 2010 Rookie Tournament Winner
Kyoji Horiguchi Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Kyoji Horiguchi’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million. His wealth has been accumulated through a successful and long-standing career in mixed martial arts. Primary sources of his income include fight purses from major promotions like the UFC, Rizin, and Bellator. His championship status and headline appeal in Japan have allowed him to command significant paydays, with his salary per fight estimated to range from $100,000 to $250,000, supplemented by win bonuses. Another major contributor to his net worth is income from sponsorships and endorsements. Horiguchi has partnered with various Japanese and international brands in sectors such as sportswear, nutritional supplements, and martial arts equipment, which are estimated to bring in a substantial annual income.
Legacy and Influence
Kyoji Horiguchi’s legacy is that of a trailblazer and a standard-bearer for Japanese mixed martial arts. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Japanese MMA fighters of all time. His success in multiple top-tier global promotions—Shooto, UFC, Rizin, and Bellator—is a rare feat that highlights his world-class skill and adaptability. By capturing titles in both Rizin and Bellator simultaneously, he broke new ground in cross-promotional competition. Horiguchi’s karate-based, elusive, and powerful style has made him a fan favorite and a difficult puzzle for any opponent. His decision to return to the UFC in 2025, explicitly stating his goal to win a UFC title for Japan, underscores his ambition and his desire to elevate the status of Japanese fighters on the world’s biggest stage. He serves as an inspiration for a new generation of fighters in his home country.
Interesting Facts about Kyoji Horiguchi
- He began his martial arts journey with Shotokan karate at the age of five and holds a second-degree black belt.
- His inspiration to start MMA was watching his future mentor, Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, fight in PRIDE FC.
- In 2017, he won the Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix by fighting and winning three bouts in the span of just three days.
- He is the first and only fighter to have held major bantamweight titles in Rizin and Bellator simultaneously.
- One of the personal reasons he cited for leaving the UFC in 2016 was to fight in Japan in front of his ailing karate master, who was battling cancer.
- He is an avid fisherman.
Controversies
Kyoji Horiguchi’s career has been notably free of major public controversies. He is respected for his professionalism, discipline, and focus on competition. His career decisions, such as his departure from the UFC in 2016, were handled professionally and explained as being motivated by factors like better pay, more frequent fights, and personal reasons, rather than any contentious disputes.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Over 288,000 followers
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Kyoji Horiguchi
Kyoji Horiguchi stands as a paragon of skill, persistence, and ambition in the world of mixed martial arts. Having conquered the highest peaks in Japan’s Rizin and America’s Bellator, his journey came full circle with his return to the UFC in 2025. No longer just a promising contender, he returned as a seasoned veteran and a multiple-time world champion, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. His ultimate goal remains clear: to capture the one major world title that has eluded him and become the first Japanese fighter to hold a UFC belt. His career is a testament to the power of a strong traditional martial arts base, the courage to test oneself against the world’s best, and the resilience to overcome significant adversity. Whether he achieves his final goal or not, Kyoji Horiguchi’s place in MMA history as one of the finest fighters of his generation is already secure.
