Kyoji Horiguchi, a highly experienced fighter and a top-ranked UFC flyweight, once competed against the current BKFC welterweight champion. The bare-knuckle boxing titleholder is Dustin Pague, who faced Kyoji Horiguchi in an MMA bout several years ago.
When questioned about Horiguchi’s recent reappearance in the UFC, which has significantly positioned him back in the discussion for flyweight title contention, Dustin Pague commented [as reported by Bare Knuckle Bowker],
“That young man is, indeed; he’s an exceptional athlete. He’s a formidable smaller combatant. Truly, my professional path has been extraordinary. I’ve had the opportunity to compete against some of the globe’s finest martial artists. For instance, TJ Dillashaw rose to become a champion. And Din Thomas, who had a remarkable career in the UFC and faced formidable opponents there. It’s been a long road, filled with many significant anecdotes, numerous memorable experiences, and certainly, some aspects I would alter if given the chance. However, one gains wisdom through experience.”
“I genuinely hold the conviction that, frankly, without divine intervention in my existence, my current whereabouts would be unknown. I am convinced that I have received his blessings. He has directed my progression and, at precisely the right moments, brought the appropriate individuals into my life, leading to these wonderful prospects and the prominent positions I’ve held. Therefore, I consistently aim to attribute my current achievements to God, as I wouldn’t know my place without his presence.”
Kyoji Horiguchi has “demonstrated certain maneuvers” to “decisively strike opponents in the f***ing head,” according to his American Top Team colleague and the reigning Rizin titleholder
Kyoji Horiguchi possesses a significant past with American Top Team, and this former Rizin bantamweight kingpin actively influences the progression of the present RFF 135-pound belt holder. Tapping into Horiguchi’s insights, given his evident detailed and expert understanding of the Rizin regulations, and exploring some of the counsel received from his ATT colleague, Danny Sabatello shared [in an interview with Bowks Talking Bouts],
“Indeed, consistently, particularly with Kyoji [Horiguchi], absolutely, given his grasp of the Rizin regulations. We also have another Japanese competitor from the UFC, Rinya [Nakamura], who has experience there. Moreover, numerous Rizin athletes are part of the American Top Team organization… I constantly solicit wisdom from these individuals. I glean knowledge from everyone at the training facility. While I openly engage in verbal sparring with my adversaries and engage in verbal taunts with many spectators, that is separate from my training.”
Nevertheless, ultimately, when I am within the confines of the gym, my purpose is self-improvement. To acquire superior techniques and refine my capabilities. An individual such as Kyoji offers precisely that advantage to me. You know, upon my initial joining of American Top Team, he was among the first companions I made there. Who could be a more suitable mentor than Japan’s undeniable icon, Kyoji, to assist me? Consequently, he will invariably persist in aiding my development. Yet, you also realize that occasionally one must simply step into that ring and instinctively respond to the unfolding circumstances.”
“The most effective teacher and source of insight is practical experience. Having now completed three contests within the Rizin enclosure, I perceive that I’ve genuinely grasped the tactical aspects and comprehend the intricacies of that fighting space. Certainly, it diverges considerably from the North American combat circuits, but fundamentally, it remains a damn fight. My objective is to enter there and thoroughly brutalize this opponent.”
“Coincidentally, I possess the ability to execute such actions while my opponent is prone, which contributes to me being an even more captivating competitor and, in turn, delights the spectators further. As you can appreciate, when one attains these advantageous positions on the mat, it allows for striking the opponent from numerous perspectives. This enhances the enjoyment for all involved.”
“Kyoji has demonstrated a few clever strategies and minor methods for ground combat when an opponent is down, enabling one to effectively impact their f***ing skull, particularly from a front headlock. There’s no requirement to merely rush to an opponent’s back and establish conventional positions. Instead, you can deliver knees to their f***ing head, which holds considerable significance in that context.”
“However, yes, Kyoji and numerous other individuals at American Top Team, given our abundance of fighters from Rizin, consistently provide me with assistance. I, in turn, always support them. It’s simply a clear expectation to discard one’s self-importance upon entering that training facility. In any elite gym, one sets aside their ego, and that’s the standard practice for everyone.”
