The UFC flyweight division is set for a pivotal clash this February as legendary Japanese veteran Kyoji Horiguchi takes on top contender Amir “The Prince” Albazi. Set for the Co-Main Event of UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira on February 7, 2026, this matchup carries massive title implications for the 125-pound weight class.
For Horiguchi, this fight represents the next step in his historic quest to capture the one major belt that eluded him a decade ago. For Albazi, it is a do-or-die opportunity to defend his ranking and prove he belongs in the title conversation after a tough setback. With the event airing live on the promotion’s new broadcast partner, Paramount+, the eyes of the MMA world will be fixed on the UFC Apex to see if the “Typhoon” can continue his storm back to the top.
The Stakes: A Legend’s Return vs. A Contender’s Redemption
Kyoji Horiguchi’s return to the Octagon has been nothing short of cinematic. After dominating the global scene with championships in RIZIN and Bellator, Horiguchi made a successful UFC comeback in November 2025, submitting Tagir Ulanbekov in Qatar. That victory instantly re-inserted him into the elite mix. Now, the 35-year-old looks to secure a title shot against his own teammate, former champion Alexandre Pantoja, who might get rematch for the title before their fated encounter —a storyline that has already begun to build tension at American Top Team.
Standing in his way is Amir Albazi, a grappler with a suffocating style who sat on the cusp of a title shot for most of 2024. However, a unanimous decision loss to Brandon Moreno in November 2024 halted his momentum. Albazi (17-2) needs a victory here to avoid sliding into gatekeeper territory. Defeating a legend like Horiguchi would not only rehabilitate his stock but arguably serve as the biggest name on his résumé to date.
Styles Make Fights: Karate Blitz vs. Iraqi Grind
This bout offers a classic striker-versus-grappler dynamic, though both men are well-rounded enough to threaten everywhere.
Kyoji Horiguchi: The Karate Stylist
Horiguchi (35-5) is renowned for his traditional karate stance—bouncing on the balls of his feet, managing distance with elite precision, and exploding with blitzes that cover incredible range. His movement is often a puzzle that traditional Muay Thai strikers and wrestlers struggle to solve. His key to victory lies in:
- Distance Management: Staying outside Albazi’s clinching range and punishing him with calf kicks and straight rights.
- Scramble Ability: Horiguchi is notoriously difficult to hold down. If taken down, he uses frantic, explosive movement to return to his feet immediately.
- Volume and Speed: Using his superior hand speed to touch Albazi up before exiting safely.
Amir Albazi: The Grappling Shark
Albazi is a grinder in the truest sense. “The Prince” excels once he gets his hands on an opponent, chaining takedowns into back-takes and submission threats. His path to victory involves:
- Closing the Distance: He cannot afford to play a kickboxing match at range. Albazi must pressure Horiguchi against the fence to limit his lateral movement.
- Control Time: Unlike Horiguchi’s previous opponent, Albazi needs to prioritize settling into top position rather than chasing submissions too early, forcing Horiguchi to carry his weight.
- The Choke Threat: Albazi has a deadly rear-naked choke. If Horiguchi exposes his back during a scramble, the fight could end in seconds.
Fight Card Information: UFC Fight Night Feb 7
This event marks the first Fight Night of the new Paramount+ era, moving away from the ESPN+ platform in the United States.
- Event: UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Main Broadcast Partner: Paramount+ (USA)
- Start Time (Main Card): 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
- Start Time (Prelims): 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
Featured Bouts
- Main Event: Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira (Bantamweight)
- Co-Main Event: Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (Flyweight)
- Featured Bout: Ryan Spann vs. Rizvan Kuniev (Heavyweight)
- Main Card Opener: Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Marc-André Barriault (Middleweight)
Prediction: Speed Kills
While Amir Albazi is a formidable grappler, his tendency to struggle with agile strikers was evident in his close bout with Kai Kara-France and his loss to Brandon Moreno. Horiguchi is arguably faster and more elusive than both. Look for Horiguchi to use his footwork to frustrate Albazi, landing stinging combinations and denying the takedown entries.
Prediction: Kyoji Horiguchi via Unanimous Decision.
FAQ: UFC Fight Night February 7
What time does the Albazi vs. Horiguchi fight start?
The Co-Main Event is expected to walk out around 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT), depending on the duration of the undercard fights.
How can I watch UFC Fight Night in the UK?
UK fans can watch the main card live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The main card typically begins at 2:00 AM GMT on Sunday morning.
Is Kyoji Horiguchi back in the UFC permanently?
Yes. After successful stints as champion in RIZIN and Bellator, Horiguchi vacated his titles to sign a new multi-fight contract with the UFC in late 2025.
What channel is the UFC on in 2026?
Starting January 2026, all UFC Fight Night events and PPV prelims in the United States stream exclusively on Paramount+.