Kyoji Horiguchi Relinquishes Bellator Title

Two weeks on from the very unfortunate news that Kyoji Horiguchi had relinquished his RIZIN bantamweight title, the 29 year old has now vacated his Bellator bantamweight title.

Horiguchi won the RIZIN title almost one year ago and then went on to win the Bellator title six months later at Bellator 222. The win over Darrion Caldwell was the Japanese star’s thirteenth straight win, since losing to Demetrious Johnson at UFC 186 in 2015.

Kyoji was scheduled to defend his RIZIN title at RIZIN 20 on December 31st, against Kai Asakura. The man who had snapped his thirteen fight unbeaten streak at RIZIN 18, in a non-title fight. However, he was forced to withdraw after undergoing surgery on a torn ACL and damaged meniscus in his right knee.

In a press release, Bellator president Scott Coker confirmed that they plan to book a bantamweight title bout in the upcoming months and that on his return, Horiguchi will get an immediate title shot.

“I feel terrible for Kyoji about the injury he suffered to his knee, but in the true spirit of martial arts and being a true champion, he has elected to vacate his title and allow the division to move forward in his absence,” Coker stated. “After fully healing, we plan to give Kyoji an immediate title shot.”

We hope Kyoji Horiguchi makes a speedy recovery.


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