Former Bellator and Rizin bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi marked his return to action against Hiromasa Ougikubo in a special Bellator MMA vs. Rizin FF co-promotion event at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Rizin 40: Bellator MMA vs Rizin FF – Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo
Round 1
Horiguchi utilized a leg-kick-heavy game plan from the start. He used the calf kicks to damage Ougikubo’s wheels. Ougikubo kept it competitive but was clearly compromised due to the damage from the low kicks. Horiguchi connected with a strong overhand right that sent Ougikubo to the ground. Horiguchi continued his onslaught from the top before the buzzer.
Round 2
Horiguchi appeared to be getting the better of Ougikubo early in the round. Ougikubo managed to take the fight to the ground and get top position. Ougikubo racked up ground control time but could not capitalize with the ground and pound.
Round 3
Horiguchi came out firing in the last round. He dropped Ougikubo in the opening seconds and followed him to the ground. Horiguchi remained in cruise control as he comfortably grappled with Ougikubo till the distance.
You can watch the highlights below.
A strong finish to round 1 for team @BellatorMMA's Kyoji Horiguchi…
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— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2022
𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 🩸
[ #RIZIN40 | #RIZINvsBellator ] pic.twitter.com/RnRcKfx22Z
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2022