Amir Albazi Ready to Show His Real Self at UFC Vegas 113

Flyweight contender Amir Albazi looks to bounce back from a loss and prove he's the "problem in the division".

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Amir Albazi is set to return to the octagon at UFC Vegas 113 after a lengthy layoff, looking to show the "real Amir Albazi" and prove he's a "problem in the division" against former UFC title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi. Albazi has dealt with various injuries and surgeries over the past couple years, including a neck issue prior to his last fight against Brandon Moreno, which he felt impacted his performance. Now healthy, Albazi is eager to display his aggressive, "bully" fighting style that he believes was lacking in the Moreno fight.

Why it matters

Albazi is a rising flyweight contender looking to rebound from his first loss in the UFC and reassert himself as a threat in the division. His matchup with Horiguchi, a former title challenger and champion in other promotions, will be a key test to see if Albazi can live up to his self-proclaimed status as the "problem" at 125 pounds.

The details

Albazi (17-2) is coming off a November 2024 loss to Brandon Moreno, which he felt was impacted by a neck injury. Prior to that, he was supposed to face Tatsuro Taira last August but was not medically cleared, citing a separate issue from the neck problem. Now healthy, Albazi is eager to show his aggressive, "bully" fighting style that he believes was lacking in the Moreno fight. He faces fellow flyweight contender Kyoji Horiguchi, who has won titles in Bellator and RIZIN after leaving the UFC, and is now back in the octagon.

  • Albazi last fought in November 2024, losing to Brandon Moreno.
  • Albazi was scheduled to face Tatsuro Taira in August 2025 but was not medically cleared.
  • UFC Vegas 113 takes place on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Amir Albazi

A 17-2 flyweight contender in the UFC, looking to rebound from his first loss in the promotion and prove he's a top threat in the division.

Kyoji Horiguchi

A former UFC title challenger who has won championships in Bellator and RIZIN since leaving the promotion, and is now back in the UFC to face Albazi.

Brandon Moreno

The fighter Albazi lost to in November 2024, a key defeat Albazi is looking to avenge.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if it was ring rust, but I definitely think I underperformed that fight, and I never got to show Amir Albazi, the real Amir Albazi. The original Amir Albazi. So I'm happy to be here to finally be able to show people that this is the real Amir Albazi, this is the problem in the division. I can't wait to show you guys on Saturday.”

— Amir Albazi (Cageside Press)

“I've always, always been a bully whenever I go into the cage. I'm a nice guy outside, but whenever I go into the cage, I'm looking to damage people, I'm looking to bring violence. I'm looking to make violence nice again. I always bring that to the table, and I feel like that was lacking in the Moreno fight.”

— Amir Albazi (Cageside Press)

What’s next

Albazi and Horiguchi will square off in the main event of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Amir Albazi is determined to prove he's a top contender in the UFC flyweight division by showing his true aggressive and dominant fighting style against a tough opponent in Kyoji Horiguchi. After dealing with injuries and setbacks, Albazi is eager to get back in the win column and establish himself as the "problem" at 125 pounds.