Having given the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Demetrious Johnson, one of the toughest tests of his career back at UFC 186, Kyoji Horiguchi is a man ready for his second shot at UFC gold.

After suffering the first loss of his career to Johnson back in April 2015, the Japanese flyweight has bounced back, notching impressive wins against Chico Camus and Neil Seery. 

His win over Seery at UFC Fight Night Rotterdam in May was a hard-fought battle over three rounds, but the Japanese man prevailed, taking the unanimous decision after a tough 15 minutes. 

Reflecting on the fight against Seery, Horiguchi believes it was one of his most impressive performances to date. And to him, the credit should go to his training partners and coaches at American Top Team in Florida.

"This was a big fight for me, and I think it allowed me to show my wider set of skills," Horiguchi said. "I've been learning so much at ATT, and I've now become so much more than just the karate fighter everyone previously knew me for. 

"Everyone helps me so much. I spend all of my time here living in the fighter accommodation and I'm good friends with Rob [Whiteford]. He came to cheer me on at my last fight [and] he's also been helping me improve my English, or should I say Scottish. After my fights, I go back to Japan and spend time with my family and friends, but the rest of the time I'm just training and making myself better."



If Horiguchi is to get another shot at Demetrious Johnson, he will have to overcome stiff opposition Oct. 15 at UFC Fight Night Manila, where he faces Ali Bagautinov. While confident, Horiguchi is well aware of the threats the Russian poses.

"This is a fight I know I must win if I'm ever to get another opportunity to face DJ and fight for the UFC title again," Horiguchi said. "Bagautinov is one of the toughest fighters in the flyweight division and has previously been a world champion Sambo fighter. He is an expert in both freestyle & Greco-Roman style wrestling and has great standup with KO power.

"He's dangerous. I think he is a complete fighter that has great experience in the Octagon. It's very difficult to see holes in his game, but I'm confident I can beat him as long as I stick to the game plan."

While a win against Bagautinov may place him in a strong position for another title shot, Horiguchi may have to join the back of the line with the next series of The Ultimate Fighter determining the next contender to face Johnson. Horiguchi is well aware of the situation he faces, but he isn't going to let that deter him from getting the job done in Manila.

"According to the UFC, DJ will face the TUF 24 winner, and I think that will happen in December," Horiguchi said. "I do not know when and who I could fight, but all I know now is that it is a very important for me to win the Bagautinov fight. I am ready to face DJ or anyone else for that matter, but right now I am just focused on beating Bagautinov in UFC Manila on October 15."

Although the UFC flyweight title might be a little confusing right now, for Horiguchi at least, life is simple--he wants to make money and become the UFC champion.



"I'm a professional fighter and I have to make my living from fighting," Horiguchi said. "Therefore, money is important to me but I think it's important to all fighters.

"That said, it's not all about money. At the same time, it is very important for me to be successful so that I show my appreciation to my family and my Karate master who supported me since five years. I want to do everybody proud: my team, my sponsors, my friends. They are always there to support me and I want to win the title for them."

Unlike other fighters, the Japanese man is rarely seen without a smile on his face and he places a high value on being respectful at all times like his martial arts background taught him. With that knowledge, it was hardly surprising to hear his  pre-fight message to Bagautinov had nothing but good sentiment towards the Russians and all UFC fans. 

"If I could say a few things to Ali before the fight it would be that it's an honor fighting him and that I can't wait for us to put on an exciting show for all of the fans," Horiguchi said. "I can't wait to see all the fans in Manila. I'm going to put on a special show for them--one they will never forget."