The UFC Vegas 113 card is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a highly anticipated co-main event that will have fans on the edge of their seats! 'Gooch' is back, and he's ready to shake things up!
Alexander Behunin, our MMA expert, brings us the latest scoop from the world of mixed martial arts. Last weekend, the UFC officials dropped a bombshell during the UFC Vegas 112 broadcast: Kyoji Horiguchi, the No. 8-ranked flyweight, will clash with the formidable No. 5-ranked Amir Albazi in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 113.
Horiguchi, a Japanese sensation, made a triumphant return to the Octagon in November 2025, dominating Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Qatar. This victory marked his comeback after a lengthy absence from the promotion, and he's eager to prove himself once again. Horiguchi even called out teammate Alexandre Pantoja for a title shot, but the ever-shifting landscape of the flyweight division had other plans.
Now, with a six-fight win streak under his belt, Horiguchi is set to face a top contender. But here's where it gets interesting: Albazi, his upcoming opponent, has a story of resilience and recovery.
Amir Albazi, a 31-year-old veteran, has been through a challenging journey. After a grueling 16-month layoff due to serious health issues, including heart surgery and a potentially paralyzing injury, Albazi returned to the Octagon in 2024. Unfortunately, his six-fight win streak was halted by former champion Brandon Moreno at UFC Edmonton. This loss marked a significant setback for Albazi, but his determination remains unwavering.
As we eagerly await UFC Vegas 113 on February 7, 2026, the card is shaping up with some thrilling matchups:
- Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira
- Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (co-main event)
- Farid Basharat vs. Jean Matsumoto
- Rizvan Kuniev vs. Ryan Spann
- Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
- Uran Satybaldiev vs. Julius Walker
- Wang Cong vs. Eduarda Moura
And this is the part most people miss: With Albazi's comeback story and Horiguchi's relentless pursuit of the title, this co-main event promises to be a battle of determination and skill. Will Horiguchi's momentum continue, or will Albazi reclaim his place among the elite? Stay tuned, as the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, prepares to host this electrifying showdown!
What are your predictions for this highly anticipated co-main event? Do you think Horiguchi's return will lead him to the title shot he desires, or will Albazi's resilience pay off? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark some friendly debate!
