Back to the MMA Newsfeed

Horiguchi Vacates Bellator Belt, Will Receive Immediate Title Shot Upon Recovery

Kyoji Horiguchi’s reign as a two-promotion champion was short-lived.

Approximately two weeks after revealing that a serious knee injury would force him to withdraw from Rizin 20 and relinquish the Japanese promotion’s bantamweight title, Horiguchi has vacated the Bellator 135-pound strap, as well.

“I feel terrible for Kyoji [Horiguchi] 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,” Bellator President Scott Coker said.