Report: Horiguchi declines deal to re-up with UFC, becomes free agent
Add Kyoji Horiguchi to the growing list of flyweights to have parted ways with the UFC of late.
The longtime contender will take his talents to the open market after turning down a deal to remain with the promotion, Horiguchi's management told FloCombat's Jim Edwards. Horiguchi reportedly took umbrage with the company's lack of direction regarding his future - not the cabbage he stood to pocket - and aims to meet with Bellator MMA and Japanese outfit RIZIN FF.
The former title challenger was removed from his No. 3 spot in the UFC's flyweight rankings Friday afternoon.
Horiguchi made his Octagon debut back in October 2013, finishing Dustin Pague by second-round TKO at UFC 166. After compiling a four-fight win streak, the Japanese native challenged Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight title at UFC 186, where he tapped to an armbar in the very last second of the five-round bout. The submission - the sole blemish on Horiguchi's UFC record - still stands as the latest stoppage in promotional history.
The karate stylist rebounded from his failed coup of Johnson with a three-fight win streak, and was last seen besting the recently departed Ali Bagautinov by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 99 this past November.
Horiguchi leaves the world's top promotion with a UFC record of 7-1, and enters free agency with a professional record of 18-2.