And just like that, Kyoji Horiguchi’s UFC comeback is no more.
The former Bellator and RIZIN champion was scheduled to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC Baku on June 21 in Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. According to a report from Red Corner MMA, Horiguchi was forced to bow out of the bout due to injury. He was expected to fight Dagestani standout Tagir Ulanbekov.
Stepping in for Horiguchi at Baku Crystal Hall will be Azmat Maksum, a 15-1 fighter out of Kazakhstan with two appearances under the UFC banner thus far.