Another landmark European event takes place for the UFC this coming weekend as the company sets up shop in The Netherlands for the very first time. The Dutch fans have been rewarded for their patience with a strong card featuring local heavyweights Alistair Overeem and Stefan Struve.
Slotted in at the top of the early prelims on FightPass is a great flyweight bout between top ranked Japanese star Kyoji Horiguchi and the hardy Irish veteran, Neil Seery.
A former trainee of Krazy Bee team, Horiguchi possesses a fighting style reminiscent to that of his mentor’s, the legendary Kid Yamamoto. A wide stance with explosive power, coupled alongside rapid and instantaneous pace ensure he is relentless in his offense and always a dynamic performer.
Though only 25, Horiguchi has had a fruitful and impressive career in the UFC thus far and was even rewarded with a shot at Flyweight gold back in April 2015. The young fighter was for the most part outclassed however and went virtually 5 rounds before tapping to a late armbar from the dominant champion Demetrious Johnson.
The loss was beneficial to Horiguchi in showing him the aspects he needed to improve in order to compete with the immaculate fight game of the Flyweight champ. The Japanese prospect has since departed his home nation and now lives in the U.S where he trains at the American Top Team gym located in South Florida.
A new and improved Horiguchi stepped into The Octagon most recently back in September where he met Chico Camus. The Karate specialist once again demonstrated his blitzing hands and swift movement, but also showed off improved takedown defense, allowing him to dictate the overall pattern and pace of the bout. Though Horiguchi was dissatisfied with the fight going to a decision, he looked commanding throughout and looks to take his momentum into his meeting with Neil Seery.
11 years the elder of Horiguchi, what Seery brings to the table is an extensive fight record and a wealth of priceless combat experience. The Irish native has been competing professionally for over 10 years and though he is currently unranked in the Flyweight division, he represents a gritty and problematic challenge for any opponent.
Known for his love of brawling, Seery makes stringing strikes and combinations together look effortless when in his groove. His solid stand up game is also reinforced with a durability to soak up punishment whilst maintaining his own offense, with the Dublin favourite having never been knocked unconscious in his lengthy career despite his love for exchanges.
Regardless of his prowess on the feet, Seery is highly resilient and is able to adapt instantly to the changing momentum of the fight thanks to his comprehensive arsenal. This was demonstrated in his last fight in against Jon Delos Reyes back in October 2015. In front of a roaring Dublin crowd, Seery capitalised on a surging takedown attempt and was able to manipulate it into a deep guillotine granting him the win and reminding us all the origin of his moniker, “2 Tap”.
Kyoji Horiguchi prides himself on his ability to deliver devastating blows whilst remaining untouched thanks to his Karate background, but Seery will be sure to test his speed and range with his relentless approach and stern chin. The Irishman is both content on his feet and on the ground and will no doubt look to test the other elements of Horiguchi’s game, who will be keen to showcase his newly improved and acquired skills since his permanent move to American Top Team. Both fighters are title holders in their previous respective promotions and this bout has plenty of potential when they clash in Rotterdam this weekend.
