Kyoji Horiguchi`s anticipated return to the UFC in June will not be happening after all.
The former UFC flyweight title challenger from Japan was initially scheduled to compete against Tagir Ulanbekov at the UFC Baku event on June 21, which marks the promotion`s first visit to Azerbaijan. However, Horiguchi has reportedly been removed from the matchup for undisclosed reasons.
Stepping in to face Ulanbekov on relatively short notice is Azat Maksum. The fight is expected to proceed as planned in roughly four weeks` time.
This development is an unfortunate delay for Horiguchi`s octagon comeback and likely a disappointing change for Ulanbekov, a flyweight contender training under Khabib Nurmagomedov, who misses out on a potentially high-profile fight within the division.
Instead, Ulanbekov will now take on Maksum. Maksum currently holds a 1-1 record in the UFC, with his performances including a victory over Tyson Nam and a loss to Charles Johnson.
For Ulanbekov, this bout represents an opportunity to extend his winning streak to four consecutive fights, having recently secured victories against Clayton Carpenter, Cody Durden, and Nate Maness.
The UFC Baku fight card is set for June 21 and is scheduled to be headlined by a light heavyweight clash between former champion Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.
