The first bout of the UFC debut in Qatar features a Flyweight bout between former UFC title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi and rising contender Tagir Ulanbekov. Horiguchi is a former Rizin and Bellator Champion and competed in the UFC from 2013 to 2016.
Check out my prediction for Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Qatar.
Kyoji Horiguchi Moneyline (+180)
Ulanbekov has a 17-2 record with nine finishes and most recently defeated Azat Maskum in June. Even though Horiguchi doesn’t have a number next to his name, he has proven to be one of the greatest 125-pound fighters outside the UFC over the last few years.
Ulanbekov is a talented fighter, but he hasn’t fought anyone with Horiguchi’s experience. Horiguchi left the UFC and won 10 fights between Rizin and Bellator. He has suffered three losses outside the UFC, but they were to former champions Kai Asakura, Patchy Mix, and Sergio Pettis. After Horiguchi suffered his last defeat in April 2022, he has gone on a five-fight unbeaten streak. Between Bellator and Rizin, Horiguchi won four title fights.
Ulanbekov is the favorite in this matchup at -218 with Horiguchi being a +180 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook. Horiguchi left the UFC as a 26-year-old and returns at 35 with better skills, more experience, and primed to make an immediate impact in the flyweight division.
