Kyoji Horiguchi passed on UFC Mexico headliner, too busy beating up Amir Albazi at UFC Vegas 113
· Yahoo Sports
UFC Mexico could have looked very different.
Earlier this week, two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight champion Brandon Morenolost his scheduled opponent for UFC Mexico later this month (Sat., Feb. 28, 2026). While the promotion quickly pivoted by booking No. 15-ranked Lone’er Kavanagh as the replacement, the matchup raised eyebrows among fans.
Several established Flyweights appeared to be available, including Alex Perez, Tim Elliott, and Japanese fan-favorite Kyoji Horiguchi — who is set to compete this weekend against Amir Albazi at UFC Vegas 113.
Before criticism was heavyily aimed at the matchmakers for going with Kavanagh, it turns out Horiguchi was offered the Moreno fight — but with a catch.
Speaking during UFC Vegas 113 media day (watch here), Horiguchi revealed that the UFC approached him just days ago about headlining UFC Mexico. He accepted in principle, but only under one condition.
“Is it okay to say something?” Horiguchi asked his coach, Mike Brown. “Okay, two days ago they offered it to me, but I answered them, ‘If I win this fight, I can do it. But if I lose, I can’t.’”
That contingency was enough for the UFC to pass. With Horiguchi already booked this weekend, the promotion didn’t want to risk a short-notice headliner potentially being unavailable — or medically suspended — just three weeks later.
As a result, Kavanagh got the call instead.
According to sources, the UFC also explored other options. Perez was approached but couldn’t make the weight, while Charles Johnson — who recently got knocked out by Perez (watch highlights) and handed Kavanagh his first professional loss — wasn’t medically cleared.
While Horiguchi won’t be headlining in Mexico, he remains in a prime position. If the former Bellator and RIZIN champion goes out and becomes the first fighter to finish Albazi this weekend, he could thrust himself directly into Flyweight title contention later this year.
For now, Horiguchi is focused on handling business — and leaving the short-notice chaos behind.
For the rest of the UFC Vegas 113 fight card and Paramount+ lineup click here.