MMA Match Preview: Tagir Ulanbekov (17-2) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (34-5)

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Venue & Event Details

Event: UFC Fight Night 264 – Tsarukyan vs Hooker

Location: ABHA Arena, Doha, Qatar

Start Time:

USA (ET): 11:00 AM

USA (PT): 8:00 AM

UK (BST): 4:00 PM

Australia (AEST): 3:00 AM (Nov 23)

Broadcast: ESPN (USA), TSN (Canada), TNT Sports (UK), Foxtel/Kayo (Australia), Sky Arena (NZ)

Injury Report

Tagir Ulanbekov (Russia, 34): No reported injuries; enters after a decision win over Nate Maness in 2025.

Kyoji Horiguchi (Japan, 35): No reported injuries; active in Bellator and Rizin crossover bouts, returning to UFC for this fight.

Recent Form & Fight History

Tagir Ulanbekov:

W vs Nate Maness (UD, 2025)

W vs Tyson Nam (Sub, 2024)

L vs Tim Elliott (UD, 2023)

Known for grappling-heavy style, strong positional control.

Kyoji Horiguchi:

W vs Makoto Shinryu (KO, Rizin 2025)

W vs Sergio Pettis (UD, Bellator 2024)

L vs Kai Asakura (KO, Rizin 2023)

Veteran with elite striking, speed, and championship pedigree.

Betting Trends:

Public money leans toward Horiguchi due to striking pedigree and experience.

Ulanbekov appeals to sharp bettors with grappling-heavy path to victory.

Line movement shows balanced action, with Horiguchi holding slight edge.

FIGHT ODDS

Tagir Ulanbekov               + 125

Kyoji Horiguchi                 – 145

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, November 20, 2025

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Fight Editor
Profile: A seasoned combat‑sports analyst with a deep understanding of the tactical, technical, and promotional forces that shape modern MMA and boxing. This columnist delivers comprehensive coverage that blends fight‑film study, statistical insight, and industry context to break down matchups, rising contenders, and the evolving landscape of global combat sports. Background: With extensive experience covering major promotions, championship bouts, and regional circuits, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms focused on fighter development, coaching philosophies, and matchmaking strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term career trajectories across weight classes and organizations. Signature Coverage Areas: Fight previews and stylistic matchups Technical breakdowns of striking, grappling, and defensive systems Prospect scouting, rankings analysis, and divisional movement Promotional strategy, business trends, and event‑building dynamics Historical context, legacy discussions, and championship narratives Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex techniques, tactical adjustments, and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time fight fans and new followers of combat sports. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the discipline, strategy, and global reach of MMA and boxing.