Ali Akbar RosadyLAS VEGAS, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s inaugural visit to the Meta APEX in 2026, UFC Vegas 113 on February 7, delivered a night of compelling mixed martial arts action, culminating in significant outcomes that have immediately ignited discussions regarding future matchups across several weight classes. The event, held in the intimate setting of the UFC’s bespoke facility, saw a roster of established contenders and rising prospects vie for divisional ascendancy, leaving an indelible mark on their respective standings.
In the highly anticipated main event, Mario Bautista secured a decisive victory over Vinicius Oliveira in a bantamweight clash that had significant implications for the top-15 rankings. Bautista, entering the bout with a professional record of 14-2 and riding a five-fight win streak, showcased a comprehensive skillset against the dangerous Oliveira (12-4). From the opening bell, Bautista asserted control, utilizing crisp striking to set up grappling exchanges. His ability to transition seamlessly between disciplines ultimately led to a dominant performance, culminating in a submission victory in the second round. The finish, a rear-naked choke that left Oliveira with no option but to tap, underscored Bautista’s evolution as a formidable threat in the 135-pound division.
Following his triumph, Bautista wasted no time in articulating his next desired opponent, calling for a rematch with top-ranked bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen. While a previous official UFC encounter between the two has not occurred, Bautista’s aggressive pursuit of Sandhagen (18-5) signals his ambition to challenge the elite of the division. Sandhagen, known for his unorthodox striking and high-volume output, currently occupies a pivotal position in the bantamweight hierarchy, having recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Merab Dvalishvili in late 2025. A potential matchup between Bautista and Sandhagen would offer a clash of styles and a clear pathway for Bautista to solidify his claim as a legitimate title contender. UFC matchmakers will now weigh Bautista’s impressive performance against the intricate landscape of the bantamweight division, where reigning champion Sean O’Malley is expected to defend his title against the winner of Petr Yan vs. Marlon Vera later in the year. For Oliveira, the loss snaps a three-fight win streak and necessitates a regrouping phase, likely against a fighter outside the top-15, to rebuild momentum.
The co-main event featured a high-stakes flyweight contest between Japanese veteran Kyoji Horiguchi and Iraqi contender Amir Albazi. Horiguchi (32-5), a former Bellator and Rizin champion, demonstrated his class and experience with a lopsided victory over Albazi (18-3). Known for his lightning-fast speed, precise striking, and robust grappling defense, Horiguchi systematically dismantled Albazi over three rounds. The judges’ scorecards reflected Horiguchi’s dominance, with all three awarding him a unanimous decision. This victory marks Horiguchi’s return to the UFC’s win column after a period of mixed results following his departure from the promotion in 2016 and subsequent successes in other organizations. His performance against Albazi, a fighter who had been on a five-fight win streak in the UFC before this bout, firmly re-establishes Horiguchi as a significant force in the flyweight division.
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For Horiguchi, who continues to prove his elite status, potential matchups could include a top-five contender such as Kai Kara-France (24-11) or Matheus Nicolau (20-4-1), both of whom are looking to solidify their own title aspirations. A win over either would propel Horiguchi closer to a shot at the flyweight championship, currently held by Alexandre Pantoja. Albazi, despite the setback, remains a highly regarded prospect. His tenacious style and submission prowess suggest that he will learn from this experience and likely be matched against another ranked opponent outside the top 10, potentially Brandon Royval (16-8) or Alex Perez (25-8), to test his resilience and allow him to refine his approach against elite competition.
The featured heavyweight bout delivered another impactful result as Rizvan Kuniev (13-2-1) overcame the highly touted Jailton Almeida (20-4). Kuniev, representing Dagestan, utilized his powerful wrestling and ground-and-pound to stifle Almeida’s dynamic submission game. The fight largely unfolded on the canvas, where Kuniev’s superior top control and heavy pressure prevented Almeida from mounting any significant offense. After a grueling three rounds, Kuniev was awarded a unanimous decision victory, a crucial win that elevates his standing in the always-unpredictable heavyweight division. Almeida, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with a reputation for finishing fights, will need to address his takedown defense and ability to escape from underneath dominant grapplers following this loss, which halts his impressive seven-fight win streak within the UFC.
Kuniev’s victory opens doors to matchups against other emerging heavyweights like Marcin Tybura (25-8) or Alexandr Romanov (18-2). These fights would serve as further tests of his ability to contend with the division’s established forces. For Almeida, a fighter with immense potential, a step back to face a strong grappler outside the top 10, such as Augusto Sakai (16-5-1) or Tanner Boser (22-12-1), could allow him to refine his defensive grappling and reassert his finishing capabilities before challenging the top tier again.
Beyond the headlining acts, several other main card winners made strong statements at UFC Vegas 113. Michal Oleksiejczuk (20-7, 1 NC), competing in the middleweight division, secured a significant win that will likely see him climb the rankings. Known for his aggressive striking and knockout power, Oleksiejczuk’s performance against a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent demonstrated his continued development as a well-rounded fighter. His next logical step could involve a clash with a ranked opponent in the lower half of the top 15, such as Andre Muniz (24-6) or Anthony Hernandez (12-2, 1 NC), to test his consistency against grappling threats.
Farid Basharat (13-0), an undefeated bantamweight prospect, continued his ascent with another impressive display. Basharat, known for his technical striking and effective grappling, maintained his perfect record, underscoring his potential as a future contender in the crowded 135-pound division. The UFC will likely seek to match him against another rising prospect or a fighter on the fringes of the rankings, possibly Cody Stamann (21-6-1) or Daniel Santos (12-3), to gauge his readiness for the divisional elite.
Dustin Jacoby (20-8-1), a veteran light heavyweight, also added a crucial victory to his record. Jacoby’s stand-up acumen and defensive wrestling were on full display, earning him a decision win that steadies his position in the 205-pound division. Following a period of inconsistent results, this win could set up a clash with a fellow striker like Azamat Murzakanov (13-0) or Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-5), offering a chance to string together consecutive victories and push towards the top 10.
The event, meticulously orchestrated at the Meta APEX, once again highlighted the UFC’s commitment to showcasing talent and fostering dynamic competition. As the dust settles on UFC Vegas 113, the outcomes have not only reshuffled the immediate divisional landscapes but have also provided ample material for matchmakers and analysts to project the next wave of pivotal contests that will shape the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s narrative throughout 2026. The discussions regarding who gets what "next" will undoubtedly continue to evolve as the promotion looks to capitalize on the momentum generated by these compelling performances.
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