Kyoji Horiguchi dominated Amir Albazi at UFC Fight Night, amassing a 73-16 edge in significant strikes. Horiguchi’s performance earned him a spot in the ESPN divisional rankings, marking his second straight victory since re-signing with the UFC. However, the question remains: Is this just a fleeting moment or the start of a sustained climb back to the top?
Key Takeaways
- Kyoji Horiguchi enters the flyweight rankings at No. 6 after defeating Amir Albazi, showcasing his striking prowess with a 73-16 edge in significant strikes.
- Amir Albazi, despite the loss, enters the flyweight rankings at No. 10, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the division.
- Ante Delija enters the heavyweight rankings at No. 10 and is set to face Serghei Spivac on Feb. 21, promising a clash of styles in the heavyweight division.
- The flyweight division is experiencing a surge in talent, with Horiguchi’s return adding another layer of excitement and competition to the weight class.
Is Kyoji Horiguchi Ready to Reclaim His Status as a Top Flyweight?
Kyoji Horiguchi’s return to the UFC has been highly anticipated, and his victory over Amir Albazi was a statement. Horiguchi, now 35, previously fought in the UFC a decade ago, going 8-1 before departing for Rizin and Bellator, where he became a champion. According to Tapology, Horiguchi holds a record of 36-5-1 (1 NC). He’s currently riding an eight-fight win streak. His unanimous decision win over Albazi demonstrated his striking accuracy and takedown defense, as he stuffed all seven of Albazi’s attempts. “Horiguchi’s striking was simply too much for Albazi,” said MMA analyst Josh Gross on X (formerly Twitter). “He controlled the distance and landed the cleaner, harder shots throughout the fight.” This performance suggests Horiguchi is a serious contender in the flyweight division. The flyweight division’s champion, Joshua Van, currently holds the number one spot with a record of 16-2. His last win was a TKO against Alexandre Pantoja in December of 2025. Current betting odds favor Van to remain champion at +150, but Horiguchi’s arrival could shake things up.
What Does This Mean for the Rest of the Flyweight Division?
The addition of Kyoji Horiguchi and Amir Albazi to the flyweight rankings signals a shift in the landscape of the division. The flyweight division has seen some stars come and go. Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, once the king of the division, has moved on to ONE Championship, where he continues to compete at a high level. Horiguchi’s presence brings a veteran’s savvy and a proven track record, having held titles in multiple organizations. For fighters like Brandon Moreno, currently ranked third, and Alexandre Pantoja, currently ranked second, Horiguchi represents a new challenge and a potential threat to their title aspirations. “Horiguchi is a dangerous matchup for anyone in the top five,” stated former UFC fighter and current analyst Chael Sonnen on his YouTube channel. “His speed and striking make him a tough puzzle to solve.” Albazi, despite his loss, also adds depth to the division, and his grappling skills could pose problems for other ranked fighters. Albazi will need to bounce back against a solid opponent to keep his place in the top ten.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Kyoji Horiguchi: Currently ranked No. 6 in the flyweight division, with a record of 36-5-1 (1 NC) and a recent unanimous decision victory over Amir Albazi.
- Amir Albazi: Enters the flyweight rankings at No. 10 despite his recent loss to Kyoji Horiguchi, holding a record of 17-3.
- Ante Delija: New No. 10 in the heavyweight division with a record of 26-7, scheduled to face Serghei Spivac on Feb. 21.
- Rizvan Kuniev: Defeated Jailton Almeida, impacting the heavyweight rankings, holds a record of 39-11.
- Demetrious Johnson: Former UFC flyweight champion, now competing in ONE Championship, remains a significant figure in MMA history.
What This Means
- For Horiguchi: This win puts him in immediate title contention; a dominant performance in his next fight could earn him a shot at Joshua Van.
- For Albazi: He needs to rebound quickly to prove he belongs in the top 10. Another loss could see him drop out of the rankings entirely.
- For the Flyweight Division: Horiguchi’s arrival injects new excitement and challenges the established hierarchy, creating compelling matchups.
