With Kyoji Horiguchi out, Tagir Ulanbekov gets new opponent announced for UFC Baku

Kyoji Horiguchi is officially out of his fight against Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Baku, and Azat Maksum has stepped in as the new opponent. This change happened after Horiguchi withdrew from the card, which was set for June 21st in Azerbaijan.

The switch has drawn attention because Horiguchi’s return to the UFC was highly anticipated. Ulanbekov, a strong flyweight contender, now faces Maksum, who is ready to prove himself on a big stage. For fans looking forward to the fight, this new matchup brings fresh questions and excitement about how it will play out.

To learn more about how Maksum ended up as Ulanbekov’s opponent, and what this means for UFC’s first event in Azerbaijan, read further for key details and analysis. For more information about the replacement, visit the UFC Baku fight update.

Details of the UFC Baku Fight Card Change

Kyoji Horiguchi was set for a major UFC return in Baku but withdrew from the card. His exit led to a quick replacement, changing both the fight lineup and event dynamics.

Kyoji Horiguchi’s Withdrawal

Kyoji Horiguchi, a former flyweight title challenger, was scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Baku. He pulled out reportedly due to undisclosed reasons, ending plans for his anticipated comeback on the card. The news broke just weeks before fight night.

His removal was a setback for UFC fans expecting to see a well-known RIZIN and Bellator veteran back in the octagon. Many viewed this booking as one of the more exciting matchups on the card, given Horiguchi’s experience in MMA and past UFC fights.

The UFC’s debut in Azerbaijan suffered a hit in star power after his withdrawal. The UFC promptly pivoted to keep the card intact.

Tagir Ulanbekov’s New Opponent

After Horiguchi’s exit, Azat Maksum stepped in to face Tagir Ulanbekov. Maksum is a rising fighter who was quickly confirmed as the new opponent, ensuring that Ulanbekov would still compete at UFC Baku.

This change kept Ulanbekov active on the card and allowed fans to see how he performs against a new, less-known challenger. Maksum, though less experienced on the world stage, brings a fresh test for Ulanbekov’s skills.

The official announcement was met with mixed opinions from MMA fans, with some eager to learn more about Maksum. The promotion kept the flyweight bout on the preliminary card, showing their commitment to delivering a full fight lineup despite setbacks. More about Maksum replacing Horiguchi can be found here.

Implications for UFC Baku

Horiguchi’s withdrawal and Maksum’s entry shifted the narrative for UFC Baku’s first event in Azerbaijan. The loss of a big name slightly reduced the international profile of the card, changing marketing and fan expectations.

For Tagir Ulanbekov, this opponent switch means adapting his game plan on short notice. It poses different challenges for his camp, as Maksum’s fighting style and background differ from Horiguchi’s.

Fans now get a chance to see a UFC newcomer in action, which can spark excitement about future talents in the division. The UFC continues to adjust quickly in the face of card changes, which is important for the league and MMA events worldwide. More information about the event and the updated lineup is available here.

Potential Impact on the Flyweight Division

Kyoji Horiguchi’s removal from UFC Baku caused a reshuffle in the lineup, placing Tagir Ulanbekov in the spotlight with a new opponent. This change could affect fighter rankings, create new storylines, and influence upcoming title opportunities in the flyweight division.

Opportunities for Tagir Ulanbekov

With Horiguchi out, Ulanbekov must now face Azat Maksum instead. This switch means Ulanbekov can show his skills against a hungry newcomer, but also adjusts his strategy to a different style and experience level. A decisive win here might improve Ulanbekov’s position in the top-15 flyweight rankings, keeping his momentum strong within the division.

Ulanbekov’s team, linked to Khabib Nurmagomedov, focuses on dominant wrestling and disciplined game plans. Success against Maksum could earn him a higher-profile matchup next, such as a fight against a top-10 contender. His performance may also demonstrate how Team Khabib’s tactics translate against rising talent.

This opportunity is significant because flyweight is crowded with skilled fighters such as Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Moreno. Standing out with a clear victory makes it easier for Ulanbekov to ask for bigger fights and possibly get closer to a title eliminator.

Future Matchup Possibilities

Horiguchi’s absence means some fantasy matchups are delayed, but it also opens the door for new fights that were not being discussed before. A strong showing by Ulanbekov or Maksum at UFC Baku could lead to future bouts against names like Matheus Nicolau or Muhammad Mokaev. For fans, that means fresh matchups instead of constant rematches.

Patchy Mix has also become a top flyweight name. If Ulanbekov impresses, he could position himself for possible cross-promotional talk, as Mix is known for dominating outside of the UFC. The division can become even more interesting if RIZIN champions—such as Horiguchi when healthy—return and face the top UFC contenders.

Below is a quick look at what future matchups could look like:

Fighter	Potential Opponent	Note
Tagir Ulanbekov	Matheus Nicolau	Top-10 test for Ulanbekov
Tagir Ulanbekov	Patchy Mix (cross-promo)	Only if UFC and Bellator cooperate
Tagir Ulanbekov	Muhammad Mokaev	Rising star vs. proven contender

Reactions from the MMA Community

The MMA community had mixed feelings about the news. Many were excited for Horiguchi’s UFC return, especially since he has been a top name in both UFC and RIZIN. His sudden exit disappointed some fans and lowered expectations for UFC Baku, which was set to make history in Azerbaijan’s capital.

Discussion threads on social media reacted quickly to the switch, with users noting that Horiguchi trained long and hard for this comeback. Some fans were curious about Azat Maksum’s skills and how he matches up with Ulanbekov’s wrestling-based style.

Others speculated on what this means for the division’s future. For example, some wondered whether RIZIN and UFC would cooperate again if Patchy Mix or Horiguchi re-enter the picture. The overall feeling is that the flyweight division remains unpredictable and deep with talent, keeping fans engaged with every new development.