UFC Vegas 113 Live Blog: Albazi vs. Horiguchi – A Flyweight Crossroads

The UFC Vegas 113 co-main event is a flyweight masterpiece in the making, a clash of timelines and trajectories that will reshape the top of the division. In one corner, the hungry contender looking to reclaim his momentum. In the other, the seasoned world champion seeking one final run at the UFC gold that once eluded him. This is the live blog for Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi, a fight with profound implications for the future of 125 pounds. Follow along for round-by-round updates, expert analysis, and instant reaction as these elite flyweights collide.

The Stakes: Title Dreams on the Line in Las Vegas

This isn’t just another fight on a Vegas card. For both men, this is a direct path back to the championship conversation. The flyweight division is in a state of flux, and a standout performance here loudly declares “next in line.”

Amir Albazi faces a critical juncture. After a blistering 5-0 start in the UFC, his loss to Brandon Moreno and a subsequent 15-month layoff due to injury have created pressing questions. Is he the same explosive grappler who stormed into the top 10? Or did the Moreno fight expose a ceiling? His return tonight is about silencing doubt and proving his time is still now.

For Kyoji Horiguchi, this is about completion. A former UFC title challenger, he left and conquered the world, becoming a simultaneous champion in Bellator and RIZIN. His dominant return win over Tagir Ulanbekov proved he’s still an elite force. A win over Albazi isn’t just another notch; it’s the final piece of evidence needed to secure the title shot he never truly got to relish a decade ago.

Fighter Breakdown: Paths to Victory

This is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, but both men are far more nuanced than that simple label suggests.

Amir Albazi’s Keys to Victory:

• Pressure and Clutch Grappling: Albazi must close the distance behind his strikes and force clinches or takedown opportunities. His top game is a nightmare of control and submission threats.
• Manage the Pace: He cannot afford to chase Horiguchi wildly. Cutting off the cage, absorbing leg kicks, and working methodically to get the fight to the mat is the blueprint.
• Durability Test: Can he withstand Horiguchi’s infamous speed and power early? If he can drag the fight into deep waters, his grappling may shine brighter.

Kyoji Horiguchi’s Keys to Victory:

• Speed Kills: Horiguchi’s blinding hand speed and footwork are his greatest assets. He must stick, move, and never let Albazi set his feet to shoot.
• Leg Kick Symphony: Systematically attacking Albazi’s lead leg will compromise his takedown explosiveness and slow his forward pressure.
• Takedown Defense and Scrambles: He will be taken down. The key is his legendary scramble ability, honed in Japan, to create space, return to his feet, or even find a submission of his own.

UFC Vegas 113 Live Blog: Round-by-Round Updates

Refresh for live updates once the fight begins.

Round 1:
The fighters touch gloves. Horiguchi light on his feet, Albazi pressing forward. Early low kick from Horiguchi. Albazi looking to jab his way in. Horiguchi with a sharp one-two that snaps Albazi’s head back! Albazi unfazed, continues forward. He catches a kick and dumps Horiguchi to the mat! Immediate guard from Horiguchi. Albazi posturing, looking to pass. Horiguchi active off his back, threatening with elbows from the bottom. Albazi settles into half-guard, looking to isolate an arm. Not much damage, but heavy control from Albazi. The round ends with Albazi on top. A clear 10-9 for Albazi.

Round 2:
Horiguchi knows he needs to keep it standing. He comes out firing combinations. A beautiful right hand lands for Horiguchi! Albazi is hurt! He shoots a desperate takedown, but Horiguchi sprawls perfectly and makes him pay with hammerfists. Back to the feet. Horiguchi is picking his shots now, confidence growing. Another blistering combination lands. Albazi’s face is marked up. He gets a clinch against the fence to recover, but Horiguchi separates with a sharp knee. Dominant striking round for Horiguchi. 10-9 Horiguchi, fight tied.

Round 3:
The championship rounds. Both men look tired but determined. Albazi lands his best punch of the fight, a straight left that stops Horiguchi’s advance. He times a shot and gets a crucial takedown midway through the round. Horiguchi is defensive, conserving energy. Albazi works short ground-and-pound but cannot find a major advancing position. The crowd grows restless as Albazi controls from the top. The round ends with Albazi in side control. A pivotal 10-9 for Albazi.

Expert Analysis and What This Result Means

After three fiercely competitive rounds, this fight is up for grabs. The story is clear: when it’s standing, Horiguchi’s speed and technique are the difference. When it hits the mat, Albazi is a master of control. The final two rounds will come down to will, cardio, and who can impose their game in the most critical moments.

The Judging Dilemma: Will the judges favor Albazi’s control time and takedowns, or Horiguchi’s more visible, damaging strikes? It’s the eternal MMA debate, and this fight is a perfect example.

Title Implications: The winner here is undeniable. If Horiguchi prevails, he has effectively cleared out a top-10 contender and his resume speaks for itself. He would be the obvious next challenger for the winner of the upcoming title fight. If Albazi wins, he erases the memory of his loss to Moreno, conquers a legend, and re-establishes himself as the division’s most dangerous dark horse.

Conclusion: A Flyweight Classic in the Making

Forget the memory of the plodding heavyweight fight that preceded it. Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi is everything that makes the flyweight division spectacular: pace, technique, heart, and high-stakes drama. This is a battle between a man fighting for his future and a man fighting for his legacy. In a division often defined by its king, this fight is about the princes vying for the throne. Tune in, because history will be made, and the road to the UFC flyweight title will have a new, unmistakable signpost.

Final Result: The judges’ scorecards are in… (Result to be updated live). No matter the outcome, both fighters have left everything in the octagon, reminding the world why 125 pounds demands your attention.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.