In a stunning display of skill and determination, Kyoji Horiguchi has firmly positioned himself as a formidable contender in the flyweight division following his impressive victory over Amir Albazi at UFC Fight Night 266. This event, which took place on February 5, 2026, showcased Horiguchi's evolution since returning to the UFC, and his unanimous decision win serves as a clear signal that he is serious about reclaiming championship glory.
Horiguchi, boasting an impressive record of 36 wins and 5 losses in mixed martial arts (MMA), with 9 victories in the UFC, secured his second consecutive win after rejoining the organization. The bout against Albazi, who holds a record of 17 wins and 3 losses in MMA and 5 wins in UFC, was highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how both fighters would perform at the Meta APEX venue in Las Vegas.
Judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of Horiguchi, reflecting his dominance throughout the match. From the outset, it was evident that Horiguchi's speed and agility posed significant challenges for Albazi. Despite Albazi's attempts to close the distance and engage more directly, Horiguchi consistently evaded his advances, skillfully maneuvering back into open space to execute his game plan effectively.
As the fight progressed into the second round, Horiguchi's confidence soared, and he unleashed a series of powerful punches that momentarily stunned Albazi. This shift in momentum allowed Horiguchi to treat the latter rounds as a target practice session, especially as Albazi’s pace began to wane, making him increasingly vulnerable.
Albazi, however, demonstrated considerable grit and resilience, inviting Horiguchi into exchanges and searching for a potentially fight-altering strike. Nevertheless, Horiguchi's evasiveness proved to be pivotal; he expertly avoided significant damage while continuing to land effective strikes, particularly in the final round, ensuring a secure path to victory as determined by the judges.
With this latest achievement, Horiguchi has now added victories over both Albazi and Tagir Ulanbekov since marking his return to the UFC. His previous encounter with the 125-pound title in 2015 remains a touchstone in his career, and he is eager to earn another shot at the championship more than a decade later.
"I think my performance today was decent, but I know I can do better next time," Horiguchi expressed during his post-fight chat with Paul Felder. "I definitely have my sights set on the title. Who is the champion right now? (Joshua) Van? I’m ready to face you, let’s make it happen!"
This confident challenge sets the stage for potential future clashes that could captivate fans and reshape the landscape of the flyweight division. But here's where it gets controversial: Can Horiguchi truly contend for the title after such a long hiatus? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
