Kyoji Horiguchi promises dominant victory in unexpected trilogy at 'Bellator x Rizin'

K. Horiguchi weighing Rizin (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

The opponent of Kyoji Horiguchi at the 'Bellator x Rizin' event, which takes place next Saturday (31), he is quite familiar with the former UFC bantamweight (up to 61,2kg) challenger. With two wins on his record over Hiromasa Ougikubo, the Japanese fighter praised his 'intimate enemy', but stated that he will have no difficulty in achieving a third victory. The statement was given at the show's 'media day'.

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“I think he has improved his skills since our last fight, but I will be able to control him and dominate him in every aspect. I just need to control the match and if I do, I should be able to finish the fight. And in my physical condition, I feel very good,” said Horiguchi.

Kyoji has already faced Ougikubo on two occasions. In the first duel, in 2013, Horiguchi won by submission in the second round. In the rematch, in 2018, the former Bellator bantamweight champion emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision.

Considered one of the biggest names in the division outside of the UFC, Horiguchi is going through a difficult time in his career with three defeats in his last five fights. The Japanese fighter has a record in the sport of 30 triumphs and five setbacks.