UFC Vegas 113 Live Results & Play-by-Play: Bautista vs. Oliveira Headlines Paramount+ Era at the APEX
Las Vegas, Nevada – The UFC’s intimate APEX facility ushers in a new era tonight, but the stakes remain as high as ever. UFC Vegas 113, the first card of the Paramount+ broadcasting partnership, may lack the superstar wattage of a pay-per-view, but it is absolutely brimming with consequence for the future of two talent-stacked divisions. From a main event with darkhorse title implications to a flyweight co-headliner that could anoint the next number-one contender, this is a night for the purists and the prospect-hunters. We’re live from the newly-renamed META APEX with all the results, highlights, and expert analysis as the action unfolds.
Main Event Breakdown: Bautista and Oliveira Vie for Bantamweight Relevance
The 135-pound landscape is in a fascinating state of flux. With Petr Yan recently reclaiming the throne, a queue of contenders is forming. Tonight’s headliners, Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira, are aiming to cut that line with a statement performance.
Bautista has been one of the division’s most consistent and quietly ascending talents. His well-rounded game, built on sharp striking and an underrated grappling base, has carried him to six straight wins. Oliveira, conversely, is a violent wildcard. Possessing fight-ending power in his hands and a dangerous opportunistic submission game, “Lok Dog” is a perpetual threat for a highlight-reel finish. The key question here is whether Bautista’s disciplined pressure can neutralize Oliveira’s explosive bursts.
Prediction: This is a classic clash of process versus power. Oliveira will have moments, finding a home for his looping right hand. However, Bautista’s cardio, pace, and ability to mix in timely takedowns will grind down the Brazilian. Look for Bautista to secure a hard-fought, decision victory, stamping his ticket to a top-10 opponent.
Co-Main Event & Title Shot Implications
If the main event is about getting in the conversation, the co-main event might be about skipping it entirely. The flyweight scrap between Amir Albazi and the returning legend Kyoji Horiguchi has the feel of a title eliminator. New champion Joshua Van will be watching closely.
Albazi, ranked in the top five, is the epitome of a grinding, suffocating top-game specialist. His wins aren’t always pretty, but they are brutally effective. Standing across from him is Horiguchi, a former UFC title challenger and RIZIN/Bellator champion who looked absolutely sensational in his return last year. His speed, pinpoint striking, and fight IQ remain elite. This is a stark stylistic clash: can Horiguchi keep it standing and pick Albazi apart, or will Albazi drown the veteran on the canvas?
Prediction: Horiguchi’s TKO of a wrestler like Tagir Ulanbekov was a warning shot. His defensive grappling and scrambles are world-class. Albazi will find it incredibly difficult to establish his dominant positions. Horiguchi will use his footwork and lightning-fast combinations to outpoint Albazi on the feet, earning a unanimous decision and likely the next shot at Joshua Van’s gold.
UFC Vegas 113 Main Card Preview & Predictions
Beyond the top two bouts, the main card is packed with compelling action and curious storylines.
- Jailton Almeida vs. Rizvan Kuniev (Heavyweight): After a setback, Almeida returns to the division where his grappling prowess is most fearsome. Kuniev is a sturdy test, but the reported wild betting activity suggests sharp money knows something. If Almeida gets it to the mat, it should be a wrap. Prediction: Almeida by first-round submission.
- Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (Middleweight): Bookmakers and fans alike are labeling this a potential banger, and for good reason. Both men come forward and throw with malicious intent. Durability may be the deciding factor. Prediction: Barriault’s volume and chin wear down Oleksiejczuk for a late TKO.
- Jean Matsumoto vs. Farid Basharat (Bantamweight): A fantastic prospect battle. The undefeated Basharat brother, Farid, is a technical marvel, but he faces perhaps his toughest test in the dynamic Matsumoto. This is a coin-flip fight that will propel the winner into the rankings. Prediction: Basharat’s pristine technique edges a competitive decision.
Prelim Headliners & Late-Notice Shakeup
The prelims are headlined by light heavyweights Dustin Jacoby and Julius Walker. Jacoby, a seasoned kickboxer, needs a win to steady his course, while the powerful Walker seeks a career-defining victory. In the flyweight division, keep an eye on Wang Cong vs. Edourda Moura, a clash of rising international talents.
The most significant prelim news occurred before fight night. The highly anticipated bout between Javid Basharat and Said Nurmagomedov was scrapped when Nurmagomedov withdrew. On short notice, veteran Gianni Vazquez steps in to face Basharat. This is a brutal task for Vazquez against the technically superior Basharat, but in MMA, opportunity often comes dressed in danger.
Live Results & Final Thoughts
Refresh this page for live, round-by-round results from UFC Vegas 113 as the fights happen.
While the Paramount+ era begins with a modest card on paper, UFC Vegas 113 is a testament to the depth of the roster. The narratives are clear: the relentless climb of Mario Bautista, the final title push of Kyoji Horiguchi, and the resurgence of Jailton Almeida. These are the events where future stars are forged and title pictures are clarified. It may be “just okay” on the marquee, but inside the META APEX, the action will be anything but. Tune in tonight – the road to the next pay-per-view begins here.
UFC Vegas 113 Results (To be updated live):
- Main Event: Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira
- Co-Main: Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi
- Jailton Almeida vs. Rizvan Kuniev
- Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Marc-Andre Barriault
- Jean Matsumoto vs. Farid Basharat
- Dustin Jacoby vs. Julius Walker
Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.
