Flyweight contenders Kyoji Horiguchi and Amir Albazi went head-to-head in Saturday’s UFC Vegas 113 co-main event at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
Horiguchi, a former title challenger, entered the fight ranked No. 8 in the division and riding a six-fight winning streak. “The Typhoon” hadn’t felt defeat since April 2022. Albazi made the walk to the octagon ranked No. 6. He had a six-fight win streak snapped in his last outing, losing to former two-time titleholder Brandon Moreno in November 2024.
No touch of gloves before the fight. Horiguchi bounced on the outside and moved into the pocket with an outside leg kick. Horiguchi connected with a right hand and quickly moved out of danger. They clinched and Albazi delivered a knee to the body as they battled for position on the cage. Horiguchi separated and connected with a solid right hand. Albazi landed a counter left hand and began pressuring Horiguchi. A left hand by Albazi knocked Horiguchi down. He immediately bounced back to his feet. They briefly clinched before separating. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Albazi with the knockdown.
Albazi took the center of the cage to start the second frame. Horiguchi landed a right hand and Albazi tied him up along the fence. Horiguchi circled free and connected with a right. He pressed forward with a combination Horiguchi began pressuring Albazi. Horiguchi landed a knee followed by a right hand. Albazi’s legs were shaking for a second. Horiguchi put his speed on display landing his jab. Horiguchi took over in the second round behind his jab. They clinched and worked for position. Horiguchi circled free. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Horiguchi.
Horiguchi wasted no time going after Albazi in the final frame. Horiguchi connected with a right hand. Albazi worked for a takedown but Horiguchi defended the attempt. Once separated, A left hand hurt Albazi and put him on wobbly legs. Horiguchi stayed composed. Albazi tied him up and worked for a takedown. Horiguchi shook off the attempt. Horiguchi continued to land his jab. Albazi clinched with under a minute on the clock. They separated Horiguchi pressed forward with a combination. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Horiguchi.
The judges scored the fight for Horiguchi via unanimous decision. The scorecards ready 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.