UFC Fight Night 265 on November 22, 2025 marks the long-awaited return of Kyoji Horiguchi to the UFC as the elite Japanese flyweight meets rising Dagestani contender Tagir Ulanbekov. This is a high-level matchup between a former world champion across three major organizations and a disciplined grappling specialist riding strong momentum inside the Octagon.

Tagir Ulanbekov

Tagir Ulanbekov (17–2) is a product of Eagles MMA and a decorated combat sambo competitor who trained directly under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He has become a consistent threat in the UFC flyweight division, known for precise wrestling, strong top control, and a dangerous submission game with eight submissions in seventeen wins. His recent form includes a five-fight UFC win streak after a close and controversial decision loss to Tim Elliott. Notable victories over Nate Maness, Cody Durden, Clayton Carpenter, and Azat Maksum underline his steady rise. Ulanbekov is difficult to control, mentally composed, and capable of grinding opponents down or finishing when opportunities appear.

Tagir Ulanbekov – Last 5 Fights:
• Win vs. Azat Maksum, Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ABC 8, Jun 21, 2025
• Win vs. Clayton Carpenter, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 311, Jan 18, 2025
• Win vs. Cody Durden, Submission (Face Crank), UFC 296, Dec 16, 2023
• Win vs. Nate Maness, Submission (Guillotine Choke), UFC Fight Night 214, Nov 5, 2022
• Loss vs. Tim Elliott, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 272, Mar 5, 2022

Keys: Ulanbekov’s best chance is to apply constant pressure, chain his takedowns, and work to dominant positions on top. He will aim to keep Horiguchi grounded while staying alert during scrambles, which are the areas where Horiguchi is most dangerous.

Kyoji Horiguchi

Kyoji Horiguchi (34–5, 1 NC) is one of the most accomplished flyweights to ever compete, holding championship titles in Rizin, Bellator, and Shooto. He returns to the UFC for the first time in nine years following sustained success in Japan. His recent run includes wins over Makoto Takahashi, Sergio Pettis, and Nkazimulo Zulu, along with capturing the Rizin Flyweight World Title. Horiguchi is known for his karate-influenced movement, explosive entries, sharp counterstriking, and the ability to mix in opportunistic submissions. He previously challenged for the UFC flyweight championship in 2015 and pushed Demetrious Johnson until the final second of the final round.

Kyoji Horiguchi – Last 5 Fights:
• Win vs. Nkazimulo Zulu, Decision (Unanimous), Rizin 49, Dec 31, 2024
• Win vs. Sergio Pettis, Decision (Unanimous), Rizin 47, Jun 9, 2024
• Win vs. Makoto Takahashi, Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Rizin 45, Dec 31, 2023
• No Contest vs. Makoto Takahashi, Eye Poke, Bellator x Rizin 2, Jul 30, 2023
• Win vs. Yuto Hokamura, Technical Submission (Arm Triangle), Rizin 38, Sep 25, 2022

Keys: Horiguchi’s success depends on footwork, blitz attacks, and consistent speed. He is difficult to take down cleanly and excels in scrambles. If he keeps the fight on the feet or quickly returns to standing, his counterstriking advantage can guide the bout in his favor.

Fight Breakdown

Ulanbekov brings the hallmark traits of Dagestani wrestling, including top pressure and positional dominance. Horiguchi offers world-class movement, sharp striking angles, and championship experience. The outcome will depend on whether Ulanbekov can impose his grappling for long periods or whether Horiguchi can stay mobile, escape takedowns, and force striking exchanges.

Prediction

This is a highly competitive matchup. Ulanbekov has the tools to grind out a decision or secure a submission if he catches Horiguchi in a scramble. However, Horiguchi’s championship pedigree, scrambling ability, and striking versatility give him a slight edge. Expect Ulanbekov to score takedowns, but expect Horiguchi to escape consistently, land effective counters, and surge late.

Prediction: Kyoji Horiguchi defeats Tagir Ulanbekov by Unanimous Decision.

A win reintroduces Horiguchi as a top contender in the UFC flyweight division. If Ulanbekov prevails, he positions himself as one of the most serious threats to the elite at 125 pounds.