UFC Qatar – Tagir Ulanbekov vs Kyoji Horiguchi Predictions, Betting Odds And Best Bets

Tagir Ulanbekov vs Kyoji Horiguchi matchup features relentless wrestling control against elite speed and championship experience. Both fighters are looking to secure their positions in the flyweight division. These contenders will clash at UFC Qatar on November 22nd.

Ulanbekov stands 5’7″ with a 70 inch reach and a 17-2 record. He showcases moderate striking at 3.37 per minute with 49% accuracy while absorbing 3.36. His striking defense sits at 52% and his grappling presents serious threats with 2.94 takedowns per fight at 38% accuracy and 1.6 submission attempts. He has a respectable 62% takedown defense that keeps scrambles competitive when opponents shoot.

After 10 years away, Kyoji Horiguchi makes his UFC return at #UFCQatar vs. Tagir Ulanbekov! 👀🔥

pic.twitter.com/0uvob4GmjB
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) November 21, 2025

Horiguchi measures 5’4″ with a 63 inch reach and a massive 34-5 record. He showcases volume striking at 3.60 per minute with 45% accuracy while absorbing just 2.45. His striking defense registers at impressive 62% and his grappling shows respectable threat with 2.00 takedowns per fight at 44% accuracy. He has a concerning 55% takedown defense that presents vulnerability against Ulanbekov’s wrestling-heavy approach.

Tagir Ulanbekov vs Kyoji Horiguchi Predictions And Picks

This UFC fight breaks down to whether Ulanbekov’s relentless wrestling and submission threats can overwhelm Horiguchi’s elite speed and world-class experience. Ulanbekov holds clear advantages in physical attributes with three inches in height and seven inches in reach, creating significant disparities in range control. His high takedowns per fight combined with 1.6 submission attempts demonstrates consistent grappling implementation that drains opponents over three rounds.

The critical factor lies in Horiguchi’s championship pedigree and exceptional defensive metrics. His experience capturing titles in both Rizin and Bellator, combined with recent victories over Sergio Pettis and Nkazimulo Zulu, proves his ability to outwork elite competition on the world stage.

However, Ulanbekov’s four-fight winning streak and momentum cannot be ignored. His smothering top control and ability to advance positions wear down opponents physically and mentally. Fresh off dominant victories over Jake Hadley and Nate Maness, Ulanbekov enters with confidence to implement his grinding style against championship-level competition. His work rate and positional dominance typically overwhelm defensive percentages as rounds progress.

If we bet on this fight, we are going with Tagir Ulanbekov to win via unanimous decision.

Tagir Ulanbekov vs Kyoji Horiguchi MMA Betting Odds

According to FanDuel, Tagir Ulanbekov enters as a solid favorite at -210. Meanwhile, Kyoji Horiguchi comes in as the +176 underdog. The odds reflect confidence in Ulanbekov’s wrestling dominance, physical advantages, and recent momentum.

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The odds for the fight going the distance stand at -240. The overwhelming odds favor judges deciding this matchup, with early finish odds at +186.

Tagir Ulanbekov vs Kyoji Horiguchi Best Bets

Here are the best bets for Tagir Ulanbekov vs Kyoji Horiguchi fight:

Ulanbekov Moneyline (-210)

Fair price on the bigger, stronger wrestler with momentum. His 2.94 takedowns per fight combined with seven-inch reach advantage should neutralize Horiguchi’s speed and control where the fight takes place.

Ulanbekov by Decision (+120)

Excellent value for the grinding wrestler’s most likely path to victory. His relentless takedown pressure and top control accumulate rounds clearly without necessarily producing finishes.

Fight Goes Distance (-240)

Safe bet despite steep odds. Both flyweights possess proven durability and technical skills throughout lengthy careers. Ulanbekov’s tactical approach favors control over finishes. Horiguchi’s veteran survival instincts make judges decision inevitable in this high-level flyweight clash at UFC Qatar.

(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook)

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!