At UFC Vegas 113 on February 8, 2026, Kyoji Horiguchi delivered a surprising unanimous decision victory against Amir Albazi in the flyweight co-main event held in Nevada. The bout marked Albazi’s first fight since a loss to Brandon Moreno in November 2024, and it unfolded with high energy and rapid exchanges, leaving fans on edge throughout the three rounds.
Background on Fighters Heading Into the Clash
Amir Albazi entered the Octagon with a 17-3 record, looking to rebound after his last defeat to former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. ‘The Prince’ had built momentum with six consecutive wins prior to that setback, including notable victories over Alessandro Costa and Kai Kara-France. Meanwhile, Kyoji Horiguchi, known as ‘The Typhoon,’ held a 36-5 record. He had recently returned to UFC competition in November at UFC Qatar, securing a third-round submission against Tagir Ulanbekov. Horiguchi came into this fight riding a streak of six wins in seven bouts, with his only interruption being a no-contest decision.
Early Exchanges Set the Tone for a Fast-Paced Fight
The opening round saw immediate action as Albazi declined to touch gloves with Horiguchi, signaling an aggressive approach. Both fighters exchanged low kicks and punches, with Horiguchi showcasing quick striking ability. They engaged in clinch moments against the cage where Horiguchi landed impactful knees, while Albazi provided solid counters. Near the final two minutes, a precise left from Albazi visibly rocked the Japanese veteran, but Horiguchi quickly recovered and pressed for a takedown. Albazi defended well despite absorbing several knees, and the round ended with both men trading body strikes.
Second Round Highlights Horiguchi’s Growing Control
The second frame began with Albazi pushing forward again, attempting to trap Horiguchi in the clinch and searching for a takedown. Horiguchi displayed strong defense before creating distance and returning to striking exchanges. Midway through the round, Horiguchi unleashed a solid left hook and right hand combination that caused noticeable bleeding on Albazi. The former title challenger maintained relentless pressure with body kicks and punches, dominating much of the round. Albazi attempted to slow the pace with clinch work, but Horiguchi continued to find openings and landed a spinning back kick just before the round’s end.
Decisive Final Round Pushes Horiguchi Ahead in Judges’ Eyes
In the last round, Horiguchi quickly advanced, prompting Albazi to clinch and press him against the cage briefly. Once back at striking range, Horiguchi connected with a strong jab and stunned Albazi with a powerful left, shifting momentum firmly in his favor. Despite Albazi’s efforts to counter and land elbows during clinches, Horiguchi maintained a fresh and aggressive pace. He scored several significant strikes, including a sharp one-two combination, before the final horn sounded, sealing the fight’s outcome.
Final Decision Confirms Horiguchi’s Rising Status
The judges unanimously scored the fight in favor of Horiguchi with two scores of 30-27 and one at 29-28, reflecting his control across the three rounds. This victory adds to Horiguchi’s impressive run and improves his chances for higher-ranked opponents in upcoming UFC events. The outcome surprised many, as Albazi was considered a strong favorite given his recent successes.
Fan and Analyst Reactions to the Result
CASH HORIGUCHI ML ✅AND DECISON ✅
Dropped it on @DropZone211 spaces.
My favorite play all week💯
I told y’all this jap is so chosen 🤫
Don’t fade him!!
— TapOrCash, MMA Analyst
Climbing those ranks! #UFCVegas113
🇯🇵 @kyoji1012 with the UD victory tonight 💪
— UFC Canada, Social Media Account
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Fighters?
With this dominant performance, Kyoji Horiguchi appears primed to challenge top contenders or former champions in the flyweight division, reinforcing his relevance in the UFC’s competitive landscape. For Amir Albazi, this loss signals a need to regroup and potentially adjust his strategy before pushing toward another title run. Fans and analysts are now debating which opponents would best fit for Horiguchi’s next fight as his stature within the division continues to grow.
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