When the UFC next returns to the Apex in Las Vegas, a key flyweight fight will serve as the night’s co-main event.
That fight, set for UFC Vegas 113 on February 7, 2026, will see Amir Albazi, ranked #5 at 125 pounds, take on recently returned veteran Kyoji Horiguchi, three spots back at #8.
The bout was announced during Saturday’s UFC Vegas 112, the final UFC card to air on ESPN prior to the promotion jumping to Paramount+ in 2026.
Yes, UFC Apex events are here to stay, as apparently Paramount+ is paying $1.1 billion dollars annually while being okay with the promotion keeping its part-time road schedule. While word is that the Apex will allow up to 1000 fans next year, it’s borderline criminal to see Horiguchi, who won bantamweight gold in both Bellator and RIZIN simultaneously between UFC stints, as well as becoming the inaugural RIZIN flyweight champ, fighting there.
Horiguchi (35-5, 1NC) submitted Tagir Ulanbekov in his return to the UFC last month at UFC Qatar. That immediately put the Japanese star and American Top Team fighter in the title picture, given his credentials. That said, with Alexandre Pantoja injured and Josh Van holding gold, it’s likely that Horiguchi’s countryman Tatsuro Taira is next up for the title.
As for Amir Albazi, the Iraqi has been out of action over a year, since losing to Brandon Moreno at UFC Edmonton. That decision loss snapped a six-fight win streak and was his first under the UFC banner.
UFC Vegas 113 is headlined by bantamweights Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira.
