Here’s a bold statement: Kyoji Horiguchi is not just back—he’s on a mission to reclaim his spot at the top of the flyweight division, and his UFC Fight Night 266 victory over Amir Albazi proves he’s a force to be reckoned with. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Horiguchi truly ready for another title shot after a decade-long hiatus, or is he riding the wave of past glory? Let’s dive in.
Updated on February 7, 2026, at 11:36 p.m. ET, Horiguchi’s performance at Meta APEX in Las Vegas left no doubt about his intentions. In his second stint with the UFC, the Japanese fighter secured a unanimous decision win over Albazi, marking his second consecutive victory since returning to the organization. The judges’ scorecards—30-27, 30-27, and 29-28—clearly favored Horiguchi, but the fight itself was a masterclass in strategy and adaptability.
From the opening bell, Horiguchi’s speed and elusive movement became Albazi’s biggest hurdles. Albazi tried to close the distance in every round, but Horiguchi’s ability to slip away and reset in open space kept him one step ahead. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about evasion—Horiguchi used his footwork to create angles, turning defense into offense seamlessly.
The turning point came in the second round when Horiguchi found his rhythm. He stunned Albazi with powerful punches, capitalizing on his opponent’s slowing pace. As the fight progressed, Albazi became a more predictable target, and Horiguchi’s pressure turned into a clinic of precision striking. Albazi showed heart, inviting Horiguchi into exchanges and hunting for a fight-ending shot, but Horiguchi’s slick defense ensured he avoided significant damage while continuing to score points.
With this win, Horiguchi has now defeated both Albazi and Tagir Ulanbekov since his UFC comeback. Reflecting on his journey, it’s hard to ignore that he last fought for the 125-pound title in 2015. Now, over a decade later, he’s demanding another shot. In his post-fight interview with Paul Felder, Horiguchi was candid: “Today’s performance was OK—I need a better performance next time. Of course, I want a title shot. Who’s the champion right now? (Joshua) Van? I want to fight you, OK?”
Here’s the controversial question: Does Horiguchi’s experience and recent wins justify a title shot, or does he need to prove himself against an even tougher contender? And if he does get the shot, can he dethrone the current champion after such a long absence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
