In the flyweight co-main event of UFC Vegas 113, Kyoji Horiguchi delivered a decisive victory over Amir Albazi, using his speed and movement to claim a unanimous decision win. The bout, held recently in Las Vegas, featured Albazi’s return to the octagon after a lengthy injury hiatus, making this fight crucial to his quest to re-enter title contention.
While Albazi returned looking to regain momentum following a loss to Brandon Moreno, Horiguchi aimed to reaffirm his position among the elite by demonstrating sharp timing and control throughout the contest.
Fight Dynamics and Strategies Displayed in the Octagon
Right from the opening round, Horiguchi impressed with his footwork, consistently moving in and out of striking range to land rapid punches while avoiding prolonged exchanges. Albazi attempted to corner Horiguchi against the cage to leverage his size advantage, but the Japanese veteran’s timing and distance management kept him one step ahead.
The fighters shared several clinch exchanges along the fence, where Albazi worked to slow the pace, yet Horiguchi repeatedly found openings to connect clean strikes. Although Albazi managed a significant punch that briefly knocked Horiguchi down, the momentum remained firmly with the veteran.
In the second frame, the pattern continued as Horiguchi maintained distance, mixing precise jabs and hooks to frustrate Albazi. Albazi pressed forward with attempts at takedowns, which Horiguchi skillfully defended, breaking free when necessary. As the round progressed, Horiguchi’s accuracy and control of the cage became increasingly evident, forcing Albazi onto the defensive.
The third round represented Albazi’s final effort to change the outcome. He increased his pressure and succeeded in taking Horiguchi down temporarily, but the experienced fighter quickly regained his footing. Horiguchi then landed several impactful strikes, including powerful left hands and a head kick that visibly affected Albazi. Despite his resilience and grappling attempts to survive, Albazi could not alter the fight’s direction in his favor.
When the final bell sounded, it was apparent that Horiguchi had dictated the majority of the bout’s exchanges.
Official Decision and Judges’ Scores
After three competitive rounds, the judges awarded Kyoji Horiguchi the unanimous decision victory with two scores of 30-27 and one at 29-28. This win keeps Horiguchi firmly in the conversation for another title opportunity, while Albazi must regroup following his first setback since returning to the UFC.
The Fight’s Broader Implications for Both Competitors
Horiguchi’s performance at UFC Vegas 113 not only showcased his tactical brilliance and sharp striking but also emphasized his durability and championship-level skill set. For Albazi, this bout represents a significant moment of reflection and recovery as he seeks to overcome recent challenges and reestablish himself among the division’s top contenders.
Looking ahead, Horiguchi’s victory positions him well for high-profile matchups, potentially setting the stage for a future title shot. Meanwhile, Albazi’s path forward will likely involve addressing the questions raised during this contest, with hopes to regain his earlier momentum and pursue his ambitions in the flyweight division.
Kyoji Horiguchi had Amir Albazi looking WOBBLY 👀
GREAT PERFORMANCE FROM THE KARATE KID
#UFCVegas113 pic.twitter.com/2AESzO0lVt
— Degenerate George (@DGen_Media) February 8, 2026
Kyoji Horiguchi had Amir Albazi looking WOBBLY 👀
GREAT PERFORMANCE FROM THE KARATE KID
#UFCVegas113 pic.twitter.com/2AESzO0lVt
— Degenerate George (@DGen_Media) February 8, 2026
