Kyoji Horiguchi knows UFC champ Demetrious Johnson will beat 'TUF 24' winner

BELFAST – Former UFC flyweight title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi is preparing for a rematch with longtime champion Demetrious Johnson.

Johnson might be scheduled to fight the winner of “The Ultimate Fighter 24” reality-show tournament, but Horiguchi (18-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) thinks the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

“I know the champion will win,” he said via translator following a decision win over fellow fellow ex-title challenger Ali Bagautinov (14-5 MMA, 4-3 UFC) on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 99, which streamed on UFC Fight Pass from SSE Arena Belfast in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Horiguchi, the No. 4 fighter in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA flyweight rankings, was one of several standouts who hoped to get another crack at Johnson after a loss. Johnson dominated when they fought at UFC 186 and secured a dazzling last-second armbar. But with a dearth of top-shelf talent, the Japanese vet figured he’d eventually get back into contention.

Then the promotion went the opposite direction, pitting regional champs against each other in the soon-to-conclude “TUF 24” tournament for the chance to earn a No. 1 contender position against Johnson on Dec. 3 at the TUF 24 Finale.

The decision left Horiguchi “a little disappointed.” At the same time, he resolved to face Johnson down the road.

“I just need to prepare to face Demetrious,” he said.

A win over No. 6-ranked Bagautinov puts Horiguchi in a good position to capitalize should the promotion need a contender. And with the things have been going, it’s a safe bet Johnson will still hold the belt after “TUF 24.” The champ is coming into the fight with eight consecutive title defenses under his belt, the longest streak among active champions.

Horiguchi moved to the U.S. after his title loss, taking residence with the famed American Top Team. He reconfigured his life to make his next fight with Johnson successful. Now, all he needs a little time and a return to regular business in the flyweight division.

For more on UFC Fight Night 99, check out the UFC Events section of MMAjunkie.