Kyoji Horiguchi`s planned return to the UFC in June will not happen after all.
Originally scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Baku on June 21, former flyweight title challenger and Japanese star Kyoji Horiguchi has been removed from the card for undisclosed reasons. This event marks the promotion`s first visit to Azerbaijan.
Stepping in on relatively short notice to face Ulanbekov is Azat Maksum.
The change represents an unfortunate delay for Horiguchi and a potentially disappointing shift for Ulanbekov, a flyweight veteran who trains under Khabib Nurmagomedov, as he misses out on a high-profile divisional matchup.
Instead, Ulanbekov will now face Maksum, who holds a 1-1 record in the UFC, with a win against Tyson Nam and a loss to Charles Johnson.
This fight provides an opportunity for Ulanbekov to secure his fourth consecutive victory, following wins over Clayton Carpenter, Cody Durden, and Nate Maness.
The UFC Baku card is scheduled for June 21 and is headlined by a light heavyweight bout between former champion Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.
