Kyoji Horiguchi Avenges Loss to Sergio Pettis with Unanimous Decision at RIZIN 47 in Tokyo
On Sunday, June 9, 2024, Kyoji Horiguchi didn’t just defend his title—he erased a past humiliation. The Rizin Fighting Federation flyweight champion outlasted Sergio Pettis in a gritty, five-round war at Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, winning by unanimous decision to avenge his only professional loss to the American fighter. The main event of RIZIN 47Tokyo wasn’t just another title defense. It was a reckoning.
The Rematch Years in the Making
Horiguchi and Pettis first clashed in 2021, when Pettis, then the Bellator champion, stunned the MMA world by outpointing the Japanese star in a decision that left fans questioning whether Horiguchi’s peak had passed. That loss—his only defeat in 34 wins—became a ghost haunting his career. For over three years, Horiguchi rebuilt, sharpened his defense, and waited. When RIZIN booked the rematch, the narrative was unavoidable: redemption or regret.
The Fight: Control, Precision, and Resilience
From the opening bell, Horiguchi dictated the pace. He didn’t go for the knockout—he went for the psychological kill. Using sharp leg kicks to slow Pettis’s movement, and crisp counter-striking to keep the American at bay, Horiguchi won the first three rounds with near-total control. Pettis, known for his slick transitions and relentless pressure, found himself boxed in, his usual rhythm shattered. The fourth round saw a brief surge from Pettis, who landed a head kick that wobbled Horiguchi for a second. But the champion didn’t panic. He clinched, reset, and survived. By the fifth, Pettis’s legs were heavy, his output fading. The judges’ scores—30-27, 30-27, 29-28—reflected the dominance, not just the final moments.
For Horiguchi, this was more than a win. It was validation. His record now stands at 34 wins (10 KOs, 5 submissions, 13 decisions), 5 losses, and 1 no-contest. Pettis, at 25-7, remains a top-tier fighter—but this loss marks his second in his last three outings, and his first since 2021 outside of Bellator.
More Than One Story: The Undercard That Shook Tokyo
While Horiguchi-Pettis stole the spotlight, Kleber Koike Erbst stole the night’s most dramatic moment. Just before the main event, Koike submitted Juan Archuleta with a rear-naked choke in the first round—his 34th win, and a statement that he’s still a force in RIZIN’s lightweight division. The undercard was stacked: Koji Takeda outworked Razhabali Shaydullaev in a 146-pound clash, while Spike Carlyle and Kyung Pyo Kim delivered a back-and-forth brawl that had the crowd on its feet. Even the 1:30 AM ET opener between Kazuki Tokudome and Sho Patrick Usami delivered action, proving RIZIN’s depth isn’t just about its stars.
Why This Matters Beyond the Octagon
RIZIN has spent years carving its identity outside the UFC’s shadow. Horiguchi’s win isn’t just personal—it’s promotional gold. In a year where Japanese MMA fans have been hungry for homegrown heroes to rise, Horiguchi, 35, has become that symbol. His ability to adapt, survive, and dominate against a world-class challenger proves he’s not just clinging to legacy—he’s still shaping it.
Meanwhile, Pettis, now 32, faces a crossroads. Will he return to Bellator? Try another organization? Or fade into the background? His post-fight silence spoke volumes. No interview, no social media post—just a quiet walk back to the locker room.
What’s Next for Horiguchi?
There’s no official word yet. But with his title secured and his reputation restored, the logical next step is a rematch with the man who beat him in his last loss: Hiromasa Ougikubo, the current RIZIN bantamweight champ who once handed Horiguchi his first professional defeat. Or perhaps a unification bout with Bellator’s reigning flyweight king, Kai Asakura, who’s been vocal about crossing over. Either way, Horiguchi’s name is back at the top of every conversation.
Historical Context: The Rise of RIZIN
Founded in 2015 by former Pride FC president Nobuyuki Sakakibara, RIZIN has become Japan’s premier MMA platform. Unlike the UFC’s globalized model, RIZIN thrives on spectacle—fireworks, drummers, and fighters who often enter to anime themes. But beneath the pageantry lies serious talent. Horiguchi, who once held the Bellator bantamweight title, is one of the few fighters to have won championships in both organizations. His win over Pettis isn’t just a title defense—it’s a bridge between eras, between promotions, between legacy and relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kyoji Horiguchi’s performance compare to his previous fight against Sergio Pettis?
In their 2021 bout, Pettis won by split decision after a back-and-forth battle where Horiguchi struggled with Pettis’s movement and timing. This time, Horiguchi controlled distance, landed more significant strikes (per GIDStats), and avoided the early mistakes that cost him before. He didn’t just win—he outsmarted Pettis.
Who else had standout performances at RIZIN 47?
Kleber Koike Erbst delivered the night’s most explosive finish, submitting Juan Archuleta in the first round. Koji Takeda outpointed Razhabali Shaydullaev in a technical grappling battle, while Spike Carlyle and Kyung Pyo Kim put on a fan-friendly brawl that had the Tokyo crowd roaring. The undercard proved RIZIN’s depth extends far beyond its headline acts.
Why is this win significant for Japanese MMA?
Horiguchi is one of Japan’s last elite MMA champions still active and winning at the top level. His victory reinforces RIZIN’s credibility as a global player and gives local fans a homegrown hero to rally behind—especially as UFC’s presence in Japan has waned since 2019. It’s a reminder that Japanese fighters can still dominate on their home soil.
What’s the likelihood of a rematch between Horiguchi and Pettis?
Unlikely. Pettis’s record now includes two losses in his last three fights, and he’s been largely quiet since. Horiguchi, meanwhile, is eyeing bigger challenges—possibly a unification bout with Kai Asakura or a return match with Hiromasa Ougikubo. Pettis would need a significant win elsewhere to earn another shot.
Where does Kyoji Horiguchi rank among all-time Japanese MMA fighters?
He’s in the top three. Alongside fighters like Shinya Aoki and Takanori Gomi, Horiguchi is one of the few Japanese athletes to win titles in both Bellator and RIZIN, and to do so across two weight classes. His technical striking, cage IQ, and longevity make him a modern legend in Japan’s MMA history.
How did the crowd react to the fight in Tokyo?
The Yoyogi National Stadium was electric. Fans chanted Horiguchi’s name throughout, especially after he survived Pettis’s head kick in round four. When the decision was announced, the roar was deafening—many stood for minutes after the final bell. It wasn’t just a win; it was a celebration of resilience.
Recent Posts
Write a comment