Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Meta APEX facility this Saturday night, February 8, 2026, for UFC Vegas 113, a card headlined by a high-stakes bantamweight encounter between the resurgent Mario Bautista and the undefeated prospect Vinicius Oliveira. The event, which follows Friday’s weigh-ins at the same venue, promises a full night of mixed martial arts action across various divisions, with significant implications for the divisional rankings.
The main event features Mario Bautista (14-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC), a seasoned bantamweight known for his aggressive striking and tenacious grappling, looking to rebound from a recent setback against the highly touted Umar Nurmagomedov. Bautista, who had been on an impressive four-fight winning streak prior to his last bout, demonstrated his well-rounded skillset in victories over promising contenders, showcasing crisp boxing and an underrated submission game. His previous wins often came through a relentless pace, overwhelming opponents with volume and takedown attempts. The loss to Nurmagomedov, a unanimous decision where Bautista struggled to negate his opponent’s superior wrestling and control, served as a crucial learning experience, prompting a re-evaluation of his defensive grappling and cage control strategies. Currently ranked #13 in the bantamweight division, a victory here is imperative for Bautista to maintain his standing and push for a spot in the top ten. His camp has indicated a renewed focus on defensive fundamentals and strategic striking, aiming to leverage his experience against a less seasoned, albeit formidable, opponent.
Across the Octagon stands Vinicius Oliveira (12-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), an electrifying Brazilian talent making his much-anticipated UFC debut. Oliveira arrives in the promotion with an unblemished professional record, boasting six consecutive victories, many of which have come by way of spectacular knockout or submission. His most recent triumph, a highlight-reel flying knee knockout in his last regional bout, solidified his reputation as a dangerous finisher. Oliveira’s fighting style is characterized by explosive power, dynamic striking, and a willingness to engage in high-octane exchanges. While his professional record is perfect, the step up to UFC competition, particularly against a fighter of Bautista’s caliber, represents a significant test of his mettle and adaptability. Analysts point to his aggression as both a strength and a potential vulnerability, suggesting that Bautista’s experience could exploit any defensive lapses. The "Brazilian Bad Boy," as he’s known, has expressed immense confidence in his striking prowess, promising to put on a show for the Las Vegas crowd. For Oliveira, this bout is not just a debut but an opportunity to immediately announce his presence in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.
The co-main event promises another compelling clash, this time in the flyweight division, as former Rizin and Bellator champion Kyoji Horiguchi (30-5 MMA, 10-2 UFC) takes on the surging Amir Albazi (17-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC). Horiguchi, a global superstar known for his lightning-fast hands, impeccable footwork, and granite chin, returns to the UFC after a successful stint in Japan and the US regional circuit, where he solidified his legacy as one of the best flyweights/bantamweights outside the UFC for years. His last UFC appearance saw him dominate a top contender, showcasing the same elite skills that made him a perennial threat. His return is highly anticipated, with many wondering if the 33-year-old Japanese phenom can make a serious run at the UFC flyweight title. Albazi, currently ranked #8 in the division, is an Iraqi-Swedish submission specialist who has quickly climbed the ranks with his suffocating grappling and opportunistic striking. His sole professional loss came early in his career, and since then, he has developed into a formidable contender, with notable wins over a host of respected opponents. This fight pits Horiguchi’s precision striking and defensive mastery against Albazi’s relentless pressure and world-class jiu-jitsu. The winner will undoubtedly stake a strong claim for a title eliminator bout in the near future.
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The main card, broadcast live on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET, features several other intriguing matchups:
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Jailton Almeida (20-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (11-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC): A heavyweight clash that sees the dominant grappler Almeida, ranked #7, look to continue his ascent against promotional newcomer Kuniev. Almeida, fresh off a submission victory over a top-15 opponent, has proven to be a nightmare matchup for anyone seeking to stay on their feet. His relentless takedowns and heavy ground-and-pound have finished the majority of his UFC opponents. Kuniev, a Dagestani wrestling standout making his UFC debut, brings a strong amateur wrestling background and powerful striking, having impressed in regional circuits with his ability to control opponents and deliver heavy blows. This fight is a classic grappler vs. grappler matchup, with both men likely vying for dominant positions, making it a chess match on the canvas. The winner will likely face another ranked opponent in their next outing.
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Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-7, 1 NC MMA, 7-5, 1 NC UFC) vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (17-7, 1 NC MMA, 6-6, 1 NC UFC): A middleweight barnburner featuring two fighters known for their willingness to stand and trade. Oleksiejczuk, the Polish power-puncher, has had a mixed bag of results in the UFC, often delivering thrilling, high-action fights. His left hand is a dangerous weapon, capable of ending fights in an instant. Barriault, the Canadian "Power Bar," is a resilient and durable fighter who constantly pushes the pace, often recovering from early adversity to secure late finishes or decision victories. This bout is expected to be a fan-friendly slugfest, with both men eyeing a significant finish to climb the crowded middleweight ladder.
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Farid Basharat (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jean Matsumoto (14-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC): An exciting bantamweight prospect vs. prospect matchup, featuring two undefeated fighters. Farid Basharat, brother of Javid Basharat, has showcased slick striking and grappling since joining the UFC, demonstrating excellent fight IQ and composure beyond his years. His last win, a dominant decision, highlighted his ability to control the pace and dictate exchanges. Matsumoto, a highly touted Brazilian making his UFC debut, comes with an equally perfect record and a reputation for aggressive submissions and powerful striking. This fight is a litmus test for both young talents, with the winner undoubtedly emerging as a name to watch in the competitive bantamweight division.
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Dustin Jacoby (19-8-1 MMA, 7-5-1 UFC) vs. Julius Walker (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC): A light heavyweight contest pitting the veteran kickboxer Jacoby against the promising Walker. Jacoby, a former Glory kickboxer, possesses some of the best striking in the division, utilizing a diverse array of kicks and punches. He’s looking to bounce back from a close decision loss, aiming to re-establish his position in the top 15. Walker, a powerful and athletic fighter, demonstrated his potential with a strong performance in his last bout, securing a first-round knockout. This matchup will likely be a stand-up affair, with Jacoby’s technical prowess meeting Walker’s raw power and athleticism.
The preliminary card, streaming on Paramount+ starting at 5 p.m. ET, also features a compelling lineup of bouts:
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Alex Morono (24-9, 1 NC MMA, 13-6, 1 NC UFC) vs. Daniil Donchenko (15-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC): A welterweight clash featuring the durable veteran Morono against newcomer Donchenko. Morono is known for his relentless pressure and willingness to engage in firefights, while Donchenko brings a strong finishing record from the regional scene.
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Nikolay Veretennikov (11-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Niko Price (15-7, 2 NC MMA, 7-7, 2 NC UFC): Another welterweight showdown, with the debuting Veretennikov taking on the always-exciting Price. Price is a fan-favorite for his unorthodox and aggressive style, guaranteeing fireworks whenever he steps into the cage. Veretennikov, a powerful striker, will look to make a statement in his first UFC outing.
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Bruna Brasil (9-4-1 MMA, 1-2 UFC) vs. Ketlen Souza (14-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC): A women’s strawweight bout. Brasil seeks to string together wins, while Souza makes her promotional debut, bringing a strong submission game to the Octagon.
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Javid Basharat (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) vs. Gianni Vazquez (11-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC): The elder Basharat brother, Javid, aims to continue his undefeated run in the bantamweight division against debutant Vazquez. Javid’s technical striking and wrestling have made him a formidable force, and he looks to prove he’s ready for a step up in competition.
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Eduarda Moura (10-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Wang Cong (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC): An intriguing women’s strawweight matchup between two undefeated or near-undefeated fighters. Moura, with a perfect record and a recent UFC win, faces the debuting Chinese prospect Wang Cong, who also boasts an impressive regional record.
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Jakub Wiklacz (14-3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Muin Gafurov (18-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC): A bantamweight contest. Wiklacz, a highly-regarded European prospect, makes his UFC debut against the dangerous Tajik fighter Gafurov, who is looking for his first UFC win after two competitive losses.
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Priscila Cachoeira (12-6 MMA, 4-6 UFC) vs. Klaudia Sygula (6-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC): A women’s flyweight bout to kick off the night. Cachoeira is known for her aggressive, brawling style, while Sygula makes her UFC debut with a solid professional record, aiming to upset the veteran.
The event, overseen by MMA Fighting’s managing editor-in-chief Bryan Tucker, promises a full evening of high-stakes matchups as fighters vie for recognition and advancement in their respective divisions. All eyes will be on the main event bantamweight clash, where Bautista’s experience meets Oliveira’s raw talent in a contest that could reshape the division’s landscape.
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